Red Elderberry vs Carmine Jewel Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Red Elderberry vs Carmine Jewel Cherry

Sambucus racemosa

Prunus x kerrasis Carmine Jewel

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Red Elderberry
Carmine Jewel Cherry

Red Elderberry is an attractive, medium-sized deciduous shrub.

It produces clusters of white flowers in the spring and bright red berry-like drupes, which provide beautiful contrast against its coarse, textured green foliage.

Red Elder can be pruned as a small single or multi-stemmed tree.

Carmine Jewel Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It is typically highly productive and one of the first varieties to ripen in summer. It produces deep red, tart fruit that are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Carmine Jewel Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

Red Elderberry Quick Facts

Carmine Jewel Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 2.0 m (7 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low

Toxicity: toxic to humans

Fall colour: orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Berries: bright red berries
Berries: large dark purple cherries
Fruit size: 3.5g
Flavor: tart - best for pies and jams
Harvest: late July to early August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, PE
Other Names: red elder