Pussy Willow vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Pussy Willow vs Black Elderberry

Salix discolor

Sambucus canadensis

SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Pussy Willow
Black Elderberry

Pussy Willow is a large shrub or small tree that produces catkins that are soft, silky, and silvery before leaves appear in the spring. This native willow prefers moist to wet soil.

Pussy Willow makes a beautiful accent tree, and its bright branches can be used for floral arrangements or basket making.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

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.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Berries: black
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium




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