SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS / AMERICAN ELDERBERRY

SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS / AMERICAN ELDERBERRY

A Native Shrub with Fragrant Flowers, Edible Berries, and Wildlife Benefits

Sambucus canadensis, commonly known as American Elderberry, is a native deciduous shrub valued for its fragrant white flowers, dark purple edible berries, and ecological importance. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils, American Elderberry is ideal for naturalized landscapes, wildlife gardens, and edible plantings. Its ornamental flowers, fruit, and rapid growth make it a versatile native shrub.

Why Choose American Elderberry?

Fragrant White Flowers: Large clusters attract pollinators in early summer.
Edible Fruit: Produces dark purple berries used for jams, pies, syrups, and wine.
Wildlife Friendly: Flowers and berries support bees, butterflies, birds, and small mammals.
Fast-Growing & Hardy: Establishes quickly and tolerates a range of soil types.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green, pinnately compound leaves; yellow to orange in fall.
Flower Color: White, fragrant flower clusters in early summer.
Fruit: Dark purple berries in mid to late summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 6–12 feet tall and wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 6–12 feet tall, 6–12 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers in early summer; berries in mid to late summer.
Fall Interest: Leaves turn yellow to orange in autumn.

Ideal Uses:

Edible Gardens: Harvest berries for jams, pies, syrups, and wine.
Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Wildlife Plantings: Provides food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and small mammals.
Naturalized Landscapes: Fits well in meadows, woodland edges, and restoration projects.

American Elderberry is a fast-growing, ecologically valuable native shrub. Its fragrant flowers, edible fruit, and wildlife benefits make it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, edible gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings.