Sambucus canadensis (Common Elderberry)

A genuinely versatile, fast-establishing shrub of very high wildlife value, common elderberry stabilizes riparian soils while feeding birds, butterflies, and bees - though it's worth knowing that outside the ripe, cooked fruit and flowers, most parts of the plant are toxic.

Species Overview

Sambucus canadensis, commonly called American or common elderberry, is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to wetlands, stream banks, and forest edges in eastern North America, growing 5 to 12 feet tall. Large, lacy umbels of fragrant white flowers appear in early summer, followed by profuse clusters of dark purple to black berries prized by both birds and winemakers.

Application

• Riparian buffer and erosion control plantings - fast-growing, dense thickets
• Wildlife and pollinator gardens - high overall wildlife value
• Naturalized wetland edge and forest margin plantings
• Edible landscaping - berries and flowers used in jams, wines, and syrups

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Moist, well-drained soils; highly adaptable, tolerates a range of conditions including dry soils
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 8-15 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow
• Bloom Color / Period: White; June-July
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Drought Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Recommended as a shoreline shrub for stormwater pond and wetland edges, indicating tolerance of periodically wet soil.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed/Thicket-forming - suckering
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• IMPORTANT: most plant parts are toxic, including the seeds; only the ripe berries and flowers are edible, and most safely after cooking. Older canes lose productivity after several years but are continually replaced by suckering new shoots - prune hard every few years to maintain vigor.