Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
Common Hackberry vs Northern Gooseberry
Celtis occidentalis
Ribes oxyacanthoides
COMING SOON
(new stock expected: later this season)
The Common Hackberry is a medium-sized deciduous tree that resembles the American Elm but is immune to Dutch Elm Disease. They are versatile and can adapt to a variety of growing conditions.
It produces purple-red, berry-like fruit with a large seed in the center. Both the sweet flesh, which tastes similar to dates, and the crunchy seed are edible. The fruit remains on the tree throughout the winter, offering a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
The Common Hackberry can also be a great addition to a pollinator garden. The tree itself is a host for the larvae of several butterfly species and the flowers provide a source of pollen and nectar.
Northern Gooseberry is a small, ornamental quality native shrub with prickly stems. You can plant it anywhere you'd plant Prickly Rose or Common Wild Rose, such as your yard.
Most people find Northern Gooseberry berries a bit tart for significant fresh eating but they are good for baking, wine or jam.