American Elderberry
Sambucus nigra canadensis
Other Common Names: Common Elderberry, Black Elder, American Black Elderberry, Mexican Elderberry, Common Elder, Elderberry, Tapiro, Sauco
NOTE: As with all of our other plants and trees, all of our fruit plants are grown in containers outdoors so they are fully rooted and landscape-ready upon arrival.
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone
Ripens: Late Summer
Pollinators: Self Fertile
Height at Maturity: 5-12′
Width at Maturity: 5-12′
Spacing: 6 feet for solid hedge; 15’+ for space between plants
Fruit Color: Blackish Purple
Fruit Flavor: Sweet
Fruit Size: Small
Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Light Shade
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Rich in organic matter
Drainage/Soil Moisture: Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH: 6.8-7.2
Description
Great for the edible and naturalized landscape, the America Elderberry is a vigorous North American native flowering and edible fruiting shrub that anyone can grow almost anywhere in the United States. It is a beautiful and vigorous shrub with tropical looking, pinnately compound leaves up to 12 inches long on gracefully arching branches that support abundant flat-topped clusters of white flowers during summer. The flowers retain their beauty as they turn golden brown and are followed by abundant clusters of dark blue-black berries. Many folks grow the plant for its berries, which are well known for being high in nutrients and antioxidants. The berries are inedible fresh or raw, but that are excellent for use in making juice, jams and jellies, and Elderberry wine. While a vigorous grower, it responds well to pruning for size control or shaping purposes. Easily maintained and trouble free, Elderberry the flowers attract numerous beneficial pollinators and the birds love the berries. A remarkable, useful, and beautiful plant that deserves a spot in every garden!
NOTE: As with all of our other plants and trees, all of our fruit plants are grown in containers outdoors so they are fully rooted and landscape-ready upon arrival.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 5 to 12 feet in height and 6 to 10 feet wide, the American Elderberry is ideal for use along sunny to partially shaded woodland borders and other natural areas. With annual pruning done in late winter it forms a dense shrub suitable for landscape borders. A fine addition to the edible landscape, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens and white theme gardens.
Growing Preferences
American Elderberry plants grow best in an acidic, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates periodically wet soils. The more sun the better for best berry production.
Helpful Articles
Click on the Planting & Care Advice tab for helpful Elderberry growing tips from our experts.
Plant Long & Prosper!
Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff
Questions? Contact Us!

























Reviews
There are no reviews yet.