Black Elderberry vs Round Leaf Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Round Leaf Hawthorn

Sambucus canadensis

Crataegus chrysocarpa (Crataegus rotundifolia)

COMING SOON

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COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Black Elderberry
Round Leaf 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.

Getting its name from rounded, toothed leaves, the Round Leaf Hawthorn is a winter hardy shrub that grows small, red, berry-like fruits.

Commonly used for landscaping, this shrub can also be found along stream banks and in wooded areas. Caution is advised when handling the Round Leaf Hawthorn, as it can have sharp thorns approximately 1" long.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Round Leaf Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

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

Foliage: round, serrated
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Flowers: showy white
Fruit: small red berries
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry