Bebbs Willow vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Bebbs Willow vs Black Elderberry

Salix bebbiana

Sambucus canadensis

Bebbs Willow
Black Elderberry

This large shrub is native to all of Canada and most of the United States. Its leaves are green on the top and grey on the bottom, and it produces catkin based flowers and non-edible fruit which appears very similar to a group of pine needles.

Bebb's Willow is foraged for by many species including elk, hares, beavers and various birds. It is commonly used to prevent erosion and protect aquatic environments due to its preference for shady, moist environments.

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.

Bebbs Willow Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 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: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium




Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Other Names: beak willow, diamond willow, livid willow, long-beaked willow, smooth bebb willow, smooth gray willow
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry