Black Elderberry vs Autumn Brilliance Saskatoon (Serviceberry) - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Autumn Brilliance Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

Amelanchier x grandiflora Autumn Brilliance

Sambucus canadensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Autumn Brilliance Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Black Elderberry

Prized for its brilliant orange-red fall color and disease resistance, this exceptionally bright tree is an excellent focal point for your garden. In the spring, clusters of fragrant white flowers give way to edible purplish black fruit that is heavenly in jams, jellies and pies. Use this Saskatoon in shrub borders or as a small tree.

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.

Autumn Brilliance Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Fall colour: gold to red
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: deep purple and sweet
Berries: black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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