Staghorn Sumac vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Staghorn Sumac vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Rhus typhina

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Elderberry
Staghorn Sumac

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.

Staghorn Sumac is a popular ornamental shrub with red velvet like antlers that produce seeds that provide nice winter interest for landscapers and gardeners.

This low-maintenance plant is a great addition to any garden it is also used in shelterbelts.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Staghorn Sumac Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low

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

Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Flowers: small, green-yellow
Fruit: small, red
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: stags horn sumach, velvet sumac