Bearberry vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Bearberry vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Black Elderberry
Bearberry

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.

Bearberry is a dwarf shrub known for its creamy pink flowers and red edible fruits.

It is great as a filler in gardens and flowerbeds in place of invasive ground cover plants, like English Ivy.

Bearberry will attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees to your property. It is one of the top 12 plants recommended by the Alberta Native Bee Council to support pollinators.

Note:This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Bearberry seeds at SeedTime.ca.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Bearberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 1b
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 0.1 m (0.3 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: black
Berries: small red berries
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Flowers: small, purple-white
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium



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

Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: kinnikinnick, mealberry, sandberry