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Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry)

American Black Elderberry, American Elderberry, Common Elderberry, Black Elder, Mexican Elderberry, Common Elder, Elderberry, Tapiro, Sauco, Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis

Sambucus canadensis, American Black Elderberry, American Elder, Common Elderberry,Elderberry, Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis
Sambucus canadensis, American Black Elderberry, American Elder, Common Elderberry,Elderberry, Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis
Sambucus, sambucus nigra, sambucus racemosa, sambucus canadensis, Eler, Elderberry, European Elder, American Elder, Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry) is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub of loose open habit with arching, spreading branches, clothed in the lush foliage of sharply serrated, bright green leaves composed of 7 leaflets. In early to mid-summer, a profusion of lemon-scented white flowers appear in large flat clusters. They give way to black elderberry fruits later in the season. Attractive to birds, the fruits may be used to make jams, jellies, and elderberry wine. Good shrub for naturalized areas where suckering spread may be appreciated.

The American Elderberry is a magnet for numerous bird species, including the American Goldfinch, American Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, warblers, and many more. Its abundant berries and dense foliage provide essential food and shelter, making it a favorite among avian visitors.

  • Grows up to 5-12 ft. tall and wide (150-360 cm). Spreads freely by root suckers to form colonies.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in medium to wet, well-drained soils. Best foliage color when grown in full sun. Drought tolerant.
  • Excellent choice as a single specimen plant, informal screens, or hedges.
  • May be subject to verticillium wilt and aphids. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
  • Prune hard in spring to maintain the best foliage and habit.
  • This plant has low severity poison characteristics. All parts may cause discomfort if ingested, although the berries can be edible if cooked.
  • Toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
  • Native to North America

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Adoxaceae
Genus Sambucus
Common names Elder, Elderberry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 5' - 12'
(150cm - 3.7m)
Spread 5' - 12'
(150cm - 3.7m)
Spacing 60" - 144"
(150cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Rocky Mountains, South Carolina, South Dakota, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Tolerance Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Sambucus racemosa (Red Elderberry)
Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea (Blue Elderberry)
Sambucus nigra Black Beauty® (Elderberry)
Sambucus nigra Instant Karma® (Elderberry)
Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ (Elderberry)
Sambucus nigra Black Lace® (Elderberry)

Recommended Companion Plants

Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ (Wedding Cake Tree)
Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’ (Yellow Loosestrife)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’ (Sage)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Adoxaceae
Genus Sambucus
Common names Elder, Elderberry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 5' - 12'
(150cm - 3.7m)
Spread 5' - 12'
(150cm - 3.7m)
Spacing 60" - 144"
(150cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Rocky Mountains, South Carolina, South Dakota, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Tolerance Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Do I Need?
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