Round Leaf Hawthorn vs Ranch Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Round Leaf Hawthorn vs Ranch Elderberry

Crataegus chrysocarpa (Crataegus rotundifolia)

Sambucus canadensis Ranch

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Round Leaf Hawthorn
Ranch Elderberry

Getting its name from rounded, toothed leaves, the Round Leaf Hawthorn is a winter hardy shrub that grows small, red, berry-like fruits.

Commonly used for landscaping, this shrub can also be found along stream banks and in wooded areas. Caution is advised when handling the Round Leaf Hawthorn, as it can have sharp thorns approximately 1" long.

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.

Round Leaf Hawthorn Quick Facts

Ranch Elderberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: leaves, stems, and uncooked berries are poisonous to humans
Foliage: round, serrated
Flowers: showy white
Flowers: fragrant, white
Fruit: small red berries
Berries: black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Other Names: american elderberry ranch, american ranch elderberry, ranch american elderberry