Russian Almond vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Black Elderberry

Prunus tenella

Sambucus canadensis

Russian Almond
Black Elderberry

Russian Almond is a low maintenance, short, slightly suckering shrub. It is covered with attractive, bright pink flowers in early spring before its foliage emerges.

This hardy species forms dense thickets attracts wildlife. Russian Almond prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate moist soils.

The nuts it produces are quite attractive but very small. They are bitter and possibly toxic in large quantities.

Check out our YouTube channel video of the Russian Almond here.

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.

Russian Almond Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $8.99 - SAVE UP TO 31%
Lowest Price: $7.99 - SAVE UP TO 38%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: black
Flowers: bright pink
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium




Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Other Names: dwarf russian almond
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry