Summary
American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is woody, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub easily reaching 12’ tall and wide. Plants are fast growing with an upright to arching habit, and form colonies by stoloniferous growth. For a naturalized look, permit suckers to grow, otherwise remove unwanted suckers to maintain desired size. This plant prefers a rich, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Stems are topped by bold, fern-like compound foliage up to 12” long that gives the plant a graceful profile. In late spring each stem terminates in a 6-10” wide, flat-topped cluster of tiny, creamy-white, fragrant flowers. By late summer each flower cluster will have developed into a heavy cluster of deep purple fruits (elderberries) that are ¼” in diameter.
Flowers and fruits have many culinary uses from elderflower liqueur to jams and jellies, pies, syrups and wine. Pollinators, birds, and mammals also enjoy the flowers and fruits, making this large shrub ideal for the wildlife or an edibles garden. American elderberry’s preference for moisture makes it suitable for a large rain garden combined with hollow stem Joe-pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum), or along a pond edge planting with buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) and blue flag (Iris versicolor). Also effective for erosion control in moist sites. Often listed as Sambucus nigra var. canadensis. Zones 4-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
part-shade, sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
early-summer - Soil PH
acidic, neutral - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Other Scientific Names
Sambucus nigra var. canadensis
- Fall Foliage Color
yellow-green - Fruit/Seed Color
dark-purple
Additional Information
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, Illinois Wildflowers