Black Elderberry vs Wentworth Highbush Cranberry - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Wentworth Highbush Cranberry

Viburnum trilobum Wentworth

Sambucus canadensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Wentworth Highbush Cranberry
Black Elderberry

Wentworth Highbush Cranberry is an ample producer that will make you think of the perfect cranberry sauce when you see it. Its huge fruit is delectable in jellies and sauces. In the spring it bears clusters of white flowers, contrasted against green vegetation that turns a rich red in the fall. Magnificent in garden borders or mass planting, you’ll appreciate your cranberry on your table and in your yard.

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.

Wentworth Highbush Cranberry Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 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: short
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Fall colour: brilliant red
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: 12mm, edible red berries
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: wentworth redwing cranberry
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry