Virginia Creeper vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Virginia Creeper vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Black Elderberry
Virginia Creeper

Black Elderberry is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. You can plant this shrub in moist areas and it will help stabilize your soil. You can also use it on rural properties anywhere you'd use a lilac.

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 Ranch Elderberry or Bob Gordon Elderberry.

Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries of the Black Elderberry are poisonous to humans when eaten in quantity. You should cook the berries to make them safe for human consumption.

Virginia Creeper is a fast-growing, climbing vine. Its root-like tendrils attach themselves to any non-smooth surface, even brick, but will also grow as a ground cover.

Virginia Creeper makes a beautiful ornamental plant for your garden; its attractive foliage turns from green to deep red in the fall. Birds will love its red berries.

Please note: All parts of this plant are considered poisonous.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Virginia Creeper Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans

Toxicity: berries are toxic
Fall colour: red and purple
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: black
Berries: small, hard, purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: ON
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: five-finger, five-leaved ivy