Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Black Elderberry

Amelanchier alnifolia Martin

Sambucus canadensis

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Black Elderberry

Martin Saskatoon is a prairie hardy shrub. The berries have a large size and a delicious taste. This species has consistent yield, making it great for both orchards and small gardens. The berries ripen uniformly, making them convenient for machine harvesting.

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.

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: produces large edible berries
Berries: black
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium




Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, western juneberry, western serviceberry
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry