Red Elderberry vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Red Elderberry vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Cotoneaster lucidus

Sambucus racemosa

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Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)
Red Elderberry

The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Shiny Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

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.

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Red Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 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: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: may cause stomach upset

Toxicity: toxic to humans
Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Flowers: small, pale pink
Flowers: white
Berries: bright red berries
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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