Western Chokecherry vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Western Chokecherry vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Prunus virginiana var. demissa

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Black Elderberry
Western Chokecherry

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.

Western Chokecherry is a shrub or small tree commonly used for farmstead and field windbreaks.

It produces white flowers in the spring and edible dark purple fruit that matures between September and October. Its cherries are great for making for making jams, jellies or wine, but are not very palatable for raw eating.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Western Chokecherry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: any
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish-purple
Berries: black
Berries: edible, astringent, red-purple
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: low



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

Toxicity: toxic to horses, cattle, etc.)
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: bitter-berry, chokecherry, common chokecherry, virginia bird berry