River Alder vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

River Alder vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Alnus incana

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Black Elderberry
River Alder

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.

River Alder is a large shrub or small tree with a multi-stemmed, spreading habit. It is an excellent tree to plant if you want to stabilize the soil near rivers and creeks.

Unlike the other alder varieties, River Alder is attractive enough to be included in riverside plantings by municipal and provincial park organizations.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

River Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: any
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Berries: black
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none



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

Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry