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Bearberry vs Black Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
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
Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans