Common Snowberry vs Ranch Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Snowberry vs Ranch Elderberry

Symphoricarpos albus

Sambucus canadensis Ranch

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Common Snowberry
Ranch Elderberry

Common Snowberry is a small deciduous shrub with characteristic white to pink flowers and clusters of white fruit.

This North American native species is very adaptable, and can be used for erosion control in riparian and restoration areas. Snowberry's fruit attracts wildlife, and livestock can consume the berries without issue.

Ranch Elderberry is a vigorous and high-yielding Black Elderberry cultivar. It ripens earlier than other varieties and is smaller and more compact making berry harvest easier. The berries are well-suited for baked goods, jams, jellies, and syrups. They are high in vitamin C and reported to be beneficial for the immune system.

Black Elderberries are considered to be partially self-pollinating. So while they will still produce some berries without cross-pollination, planting with another variety will increase yields. Consider planting with Black Elderberry or Bob Gordon Elderberry.

Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity. Berries should be cooked to make them safe for human consumption.

Common Snowberry Quick Facts

Ranch Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: berries toxic to humans

Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Bark: red-brown shredded bark
Flowers: pink to white flowers in spring
Flowers: fragrant, white
Berries: white waxy berries
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NT
Other Names: common snowberry
Other Names: american elderberry ranch, american ranch elderberry, ranch american elderberry