Russian Almond vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Prunus tenella

Black Elderberry
Russian Almond

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.

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 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 Quick Facts

Russian Almond Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: black
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Flowers: bright pink
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: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: dwarf russian almond