Blue Banana Haskap (Honeyberry) vs Black Crowberry

The Blue Banana Haskap is a fruit-bearing shrub that produces medium-sized oval berries that are quite sweet. Their taste is typically described as something between a raspberry and a blueberry. Its small white flowers bloom in April, with harvest time being mid-June to mid-July. The berries are juicy, and are great for fresh eating and using in preserves.

The Blue Banana Haskap, or Blue Banana Honeyberry is a cold-hardy cultivar.

Blue Banana is a late pollinating variety. Pair with other late pollinators to have a higher yield.
Blue Stuart is a great companion variety.

Black Crowberry is a native evergreen shrub that forms low, spreading mats. It has unique foliage that spirals around the stem, and small dark berries, giving it visual appeal. The berries are edible, but can be acidic, so they are not generally eaten fresh. In colder climates, the berries develop a sweet-tart flavor and are often dried or used in desserts, jams, and jellies.

This hardy shrub provides food for birds and mammals, while its flowers attract pollinators such as bees. It also serves as a host plant for certain butterflies and moths. Together, these roles make it a key contributor to the health of tundra and boreal ecosystems.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the berries are known locally as ‘blackberries’ and are enjoyed in jams, jellies, and traditional baked goods such as buns and puddings. In Scandinavia, they continue to be used in liqueurs, wines, and juices.

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