Sebastien Gooseberry vs Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry) - TreeTime.ca

Sebastien Gooseberry vs Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry)

Rubus pubescens

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry)
Sebastien Gooseberry

Dewberry (Rubus pubescens) is a native, low-growing perennial that spreads by creeping stems to form a natural groundcover. In spring, it bears small white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by bright red edible berries resembling tiny raspberries. They are an important food source for birds and mammals.

Widespread across Canada, Dewberry serves as a larval host plant for butterflies such as the Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon), adding to its ecological value. It is a suitable choice for naturalization, pollinator gardens, habitat plantings, and ecological restoration projects.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.

Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.

Dewberry (Dwarf Raspberry) Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, trailing
Spreading: stolons - medium
Suckering: low


Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Fall colour: reddish or purplish
Flowers: small, white
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Berries: red, edible
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Harvest: mid-summer
Harvest: late July to September
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: creeping red raspberry, dwarf raspberry, dwarf red blackberry, dwarf red raspberry, trailing raspberry