Coho Raspberry vs Black Crowberry - TreeTime.ca

Coho Raspberry vs Black Crowberry

Empetrum nigrum

Rubus idaeus Coho

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Crowberry
Coho Raspberry

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.

Coho Raspberry is a high-yielding raspberry that is known for having large, very firm berries. They are bright red with a great flavour. Their firmness allows for easy picking and makes them well suited for freezing. They are one of the last raspberries to ripen, allowing for fresh berries later in the season.

They are named after the Coho Salmon which are known for their bright red colouring and late spawning runs.

The Coho Raspberry is a fast-growing floricane. This means that raspberries will not grow on canes the year they first grow. The mature canes they do grow on, however, produce more berries than primocane varieties.

Black Crowberry Quick Facts

Coho Raspberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.4 m (1.3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: low growing, matt-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: evergreen needle-like leaves
Flowers: pink-red, very small
Flowers: white
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: purplish-black, edible
Berries: large, bright red
Firmness: very firm
Flavor: bland, slightly bitter
Harvest: late summer to fall
Harvest: late July into August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU
Other Names: crakeberry, curlewberry, heathberry, northern crowberry