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Birch Leaf Spirea vs Ranch Elderberry
Spiraea betulifolia
Sambucus canadensis Ranch
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
Birch Leaf Meadowsweet is a small, rounded shrub, reaching 3 to 4 feet high.
In the early summer, white flowers emerge with dark green foliage. Come fall, birch-like leaves turn a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and purple adding seasonal interest.
Native to Japan and Eastern Asia, this dwarf shrub attracts butterflies and is an excellent option for the front row of a shrub border.
Ranch Elderberry is a vigorous and high-yielding Black Elderberry cultivar. It ripens earlier than other varieties and is smaller and more compact making berry harvest easier. The berries are well-suited for baked goods, jams, jellies, and syrups. They are high in vitamin C and reported to be beneficial for the immune system.
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 Black Elderberry or Bob Gordon Elderberry.
Warning: the seeds, stems, leaves, roots, and uncooked berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity. Berries should be cooked to make them safe for human consumption.
Birch Leaf Spirea Quick Facts
Ranch Elderberry Quick Facts
Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans