Variegated Dogwood vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Variegated Dogwood vs Black Elderberry

Cornus alba argenteo-marginata

Sambucus canadensis

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Variegated Dogwood
Black Elderberry

Variegated Dogwood is a small shrub that is often used in the first row of a shelterbelt, as a hedge, or for soil stabilization projects. It has the same distinctive red bark, white flowers, and berries as Red Osier Dogwood.

The key difference between the two is the leaves. Where Red Osier's leaves are green throughout, Variegated Dogwood has a white outline around each leaf, giving this shrub a distinctive look.

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.

Variegated Dogwood Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Foliage: variegated white edges
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: tatarian dogwood
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry