Grey Alder vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Grey Alder vs Black Elderberry

Alnus incana

Sambucus canadensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Grey Alder
Black Elderberry

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 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.

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Fruit: small catkins
Berries: black
Cones: small brown cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Other Names: hoary alder, river alder, speckled alder
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry