Red Elderberry vs Eastern Redbud - TreeTime.ca

Red Elderberry vs Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Sambucus racemosa

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Eastern Redbud
Red Elderberry

The Eastern Redbud is known for the pea-like pink buds that emerge in clusters on the bark, embellishing the tree in stunning flowers. They have a longer bloom time, sometimes for two to three weeks before the heart-shaped leaves emerge for the summer. Inedible pods emerge that turn brown in the summer, this tree is a part of the bean family.

Native to the Eastern North America. The Eastern Redbud can tolerate acidic and alkaline soil. Plant this as a beautiful understory species or shaded residential yard or garden. The bright pop of color will make an attractive ornamental tree.

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.

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Red Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Toxicity: toxic to humans
Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Flowers: white
Berries: bright red berries
Seeds: pod-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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