Northern Gooseberry vs Ranch Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Northern Gooseberry vs Ranch Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis Ranch

Ribes oxyacanthoides

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Ranch Elderberry
Northern Gooseberry

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.

Northern Gooseberry is a small, ornamental quality native shrub with prickly stems. You can plant it anywhere you'd plant Prickly Rose or Common Wild Rose, such as your yard.

Most people find Northern Gooseberry berries a bit tart for significant fresh eating but they are good for baking, wine or jam.

Ranch Elderberry Quick Facts

Northern Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

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

Flowers: fragrant, white
Berries: black
Berries: purple or purplish black
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NL, YT, NT
Other Names: american elderberry ranch, american ranch elderberry, ranch american elderberry
Other Names: canada gooseberry, canadian gooseberry