Black Hawthorn vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Black Hawthorn vs Black Elderberry

Crataegus douglasii

Sambucus canadensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Hawthorn
Black Elderberry

Black Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

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.

Black Hawthorn Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow to red
Bark: brown to gray
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: white
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: purplish-black pomes
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry