Black Elderberry vs Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

Amelanchier alnifolia

Sambucus canadensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Black Elderberry

Common Saskatoon is a native shrub that's famous for its great-tasting fruit. The berries are terrific for fresh eating and cooking. The Saskatoon bush itself can be quite large and produces an abundance of fruit. Saskatoons are hardy and can tolerate partial shade and a variety of growing conditions.

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.

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: purple-blue
Berries: black
Firmness: firm
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: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry