Black Elderberry vs Balsors Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Balsors Blackberry

Sambucus canadensis

Rubus fruticosus Balsors

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Black Elderberry
Balsors Blackberry

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.

The Balsors Blackberry is a cold-hardy variety that produces very large, sweet and juicy blackberries late in the summer. They are great for baking and fresh eating.

Balsors Blackberry are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Balsors Blackberry Quick Facts

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

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

Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Bark: has thorns
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: black
Berries: black
Fruit size: large
Firmness: soft
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: balsors hardy blackberry, illinois blackberry