Silver Leaf Willow vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Silver Leaf Willow vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Salix alba sericea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Elderberry
Silver Leaf Willow

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.

Native to North America, Silver Leaf Willow has orangish bark and long, silvery grey leaves. Bees and other insects are attracted to its flowers.

Popular as an ornamental tree for parks, it is also used as a shelterbelt species. It may not be as cold hardy as some of the other willow varieties, however.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Silver Leaf Willow Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 15 m (50 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

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

Foliage: narrow-glossy
Fall colour: pale yellow
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Bark: yellow-brown
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: white willow