Black Elderberry vs White Lights Rhododendron (Azalea) - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs White Lights Rhododendron (Azalea)

Rhododendron x White Lights

Sambucus canadensis

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White Lights Rhododendron (Azalea)
Black Elderberry

White Lights Rhododendron is part of the Northern Lights Series, cold hardy, and deciduous. In late spring you'll be drawn to its fragrant white blooms. In fall, the foliage turns a beautiful purple-bronze color. Pruning is recommended after the flowers are spent to control the size and shape of this shrub.

White Lights Rhododendron should be your next hedge/screen, or plant it on its own as a specimen plant.

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.

White Lights Rhododendron (Azalea) Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: All parts of a rhododendron bush, including the leaves, stems and blooms, are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: white with pink blush
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