Black Elderberry vs Black Raspberry - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Black Raspberry

Sambucus canadensis

Rubus occidentalis

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Black Elderberry
Black Raspberry

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 Black Raspberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that produces edible red berries that deepen to black as they mature. The berries are flavorful and are great for fresh eating and preserves. Black Raspberry shrubs bloom in late spring with white, rose-like flowers and attract many pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Black Raspberries are floricanes primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Black Raspberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $15.99
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: any
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium

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

Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Berries: black
Berries: red to black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: ON, QC, NB
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry
Other Names: bears eye blackberry, black cap, scotch cap