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

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Amelanchier alnifolia Martin

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Black Elderberry
Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

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 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 Quick Facts

Martin Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low

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

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


Native to: AB, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, western juneberry, western serviceberry