Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
Black Elderberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry
Sambucus canadensis
Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
(new stock expected: fall of 2026)
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
Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans