Black Elderberry vs Robert Chokecherry - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Robert Chokecherry

Sambucus canadensis

Prunus virginiana Robert

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Elderberry
Robert Chokecherry

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.

Developed in Barrhead, Alberta, the Robert Chokecherry produces very large berries (comparable to the size of grapes) with good yield.

The berries can be used for wine, jams, jellies and fresh picking, making it one of the sweeter chokecherries. Rich, red foliage make it a striking landscape addition.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Robert Chokecherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2b
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium

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

Toxicity: Toxic to animals with segmented stomachs (horses, cattle, deer moose, etc.)
Foliage: red leaves
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Fruit: large, black, grape sized
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry