Pygmy Caragana vs Ranch Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Pygmy Caragana vs Ranch Elderberry

Caragana pygmaea

Sambucus canadensis Ranch

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Pygmy Caragana
Ranch Elderberry

Pygmy Caragana is a shrub that is related to Common Caragana and has a compact size that is suitable for yards with limited space. Its size is perfect for landscaping and decorative hedges, and requires little maintenance. This nitrogen fixer has fine-textured foliage and small yellow flowers. Much like Common Caragana, it is hardy and drought tolerant.

Popular as a low maintenance commercial landscaping shrub and for hedging. This species does have tiny spines that might poke you a bit. It has a nice appealing texture when mature.

Ranch Elderberry is a vigorous and high-yielding Black Elderberry cultivar. It ripens earlier than other varieties and is smaller and more compact making berry harvest easier. The berries are well-suited for baked goods, jams, jellies, and syrups. They are high in vitamin C and reported to be beneficial for the immune system.

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 Black Elderberry or Bob Gordon Elderberry.

Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity. Berries should be cooked to make them safe for human consumption.

Pygmy Caragana Quick Facts

Ranch Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Flowers: prolific tiny yellow pea-like flowers
Flowers: fragrant, white
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Seeds: prolific seedpods are edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: pygmy peashrub
Other Names: american elderberry ranch, american ranch elderberry, ranch american elderberry