Green Alder vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Green Alder vs Black Elderberry

Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa

Sambucus canadensis

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Green Alder
Black Elderberry

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.

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 Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: american green alder
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry