Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Ranch Elderberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Ranch Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis Ranch

Amelanchier alnifolia

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Ranch Elderberry
Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)

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.

Common Saskatoon is a native shrub that's famous for its great-tasting fruit. The berries are terrific for fresh eating and cooking. The Saskatoon bush itself can be quite large and produces an abundance of fruit. Saskatoons are hardy and can tolerate partial shade and a variety of growing conditions.

Ranch Elderberry Quick Facts

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium

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

Flowers: fragrant, white
Berries: black
Berries: purple-blue
Firmness: firm
Harvest: late summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Other Names: american elderberry ranch, american ranch elderberry, ranch american elderberry
Other Names: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry