Green Alder vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Alnus alnobetula ssp. crispa

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Black Elderberry
Green Alder

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.

Green Alder is a cold hardy, native shrub. It is often planted on infertile sites so it can fix nitrogen from the air and improve the soil quality.

Green Alder is known for its smooth grey bark and attractive shiny green leaves; it is commonly used in reclamation.

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

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Green Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Light: any
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Berries: black
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)

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

Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: mountain alder, sitka alder