Mock Orange vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Mock Orange vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Philadelphus coronarius

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Elderberry
Mock Orange

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.

Mock Orange is an ornamental shrub known for its fragrant, white flowers. The scent is often described as orange-like with a hint of jasmine. Attractive to pollinators, hummingbirds, and humans alike.

Mock Orange is highly versatile, and can be used as an ornamental shrub, either alone or as a hedge. It is well suited for streambank stabilization and riparian zone restoration, due to its ability to grow in low, moist areas as well as those that are high and dry. Lewis Mock Orange also has the capability of being used in soil bioengineering projects such as live staking.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Mock Orange Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (11 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (11 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium

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

Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Flowers: large, white
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: english dogwood