Black Elderberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Black Elderberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Sambucus canadensis

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

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Black Elderberry
Sebastien Gooseberry

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.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.

Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.

Black Elderberry Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: black
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: fragrant, white and showy
Bark: gray brownish with rigid bumps
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low



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

Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Other Names: american black elderberry, american elderberry, canada elderberry, common elderberry