Red Currant vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Red Currant vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Ribes rubrum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Elderberry
Red Currant

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.

Red Currant is a deciduous shrub native to western Europe. It features five-lobed, maple-like leaves, and bright red berries that can be used in jams, sauces, and fresh eating.

Although this shrub is self-fertile, it will be more productive if another pollinator is present. For year over year high yields, ensure you fertilize (bone meal), prune, and mulch your Red Currant shrub.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Red Currant Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

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

Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry