Black Elderberry vs Korean Boxwood - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Korean Boxwood

Sambucus canadensis

Buxus microphylla Koreana

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Black Elderberry
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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.

Korean Boxwood is a vibrant evergreen shrub. A top choice for colder climates, this shrub will look stunning lining a driveway or as a foundation plant.

Easy to root in and maintain, Korean Boxwood's thick foliage is deer resistant and turns an attractive yellow-brown to purplish in winter. Consider applying mulch around the base to keep the roots moist and cool.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Korean Boxwood Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

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

Foliage: evergreen
Fall colour: yellow-brown to purple
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: black
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