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Common Hackberry vs Red Elderberry
Celtis occidentalis
Sambucus racemosa
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
The Common Hackberry is a medium-sized deciduous tree that resembles the American Elm but is immune to Dutch Elm Disease. They are versatile and can adapt to a variety of growing conditions.
It produces purple-red, berry-like fruit with a large seed in the center. Both the sweet flesh, which tastes similar to dates, and the crunchy seed are edible. The fruit remains on the tree throughout the winter, offering a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
The Common Hackberry can also be a great addition to a pollinator garden. The tree itself is a host for the larvae of several butterfly species and the flowers provide a source of pollen and nectar.
Red Elderberry is an attractive, medium-sized deciduous shrub.
It produces clusters of white flowers in the spring and bright red berry-like drupes, which provide beautiful contrast against its coarse, textured green foliage.
Red Elder can be pruned as a small single or multi-stemmed tree.
Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Red Elderberry seeds at SeedTime.ca.
Common Hackberry Quick Facts
Red Elderberry Quick Facts
Toxicity: toxic to humans