Arnold Hawthorn vs Black Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Arnold Hawthorn vs Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Crataegus arnoldiana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Elderberry
Arnold Hawthorn

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.

Arnold Hawthorn is a low-branched tree favored by wildlife and landscapers. This tree's beautiful white flowers and bright red berries make it an attractive ornamental in anyone's yard. Arnold Hawthorn is also used in windbreaks and riparian planting.

Despite its thorns, Arnold Hawthorn is a popular choice of food and shelter for deer and birds. Humans can also eat these berries fresh or preserved, but Arnold Hawthorn will not have high yields until it matures at 5-8 years.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Arnold Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

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

Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Bark: gray to brown
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Flowers: white
Berries: black
Berries: red pomes about 1 cm in diameter
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