American Black Elderberry

(Sambucus canadensis)

American Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sambucus canadensis, commonly known as American Black Elderberry, is a deciduous suckering shrub native to a variety of habitats including moist, well-drained soils of forest margins, stream banks, and open areas across the the Eastern United States, Mexico and Central America. It can grow to heights exceeding 3 meters and is characterized by its large corymbs of fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are approximately 5–6 mm in diameter, each with five petals. Following the flowering season, the plant produces drooping clusters of dark purple to black berries, each 3–5 mm in diameter, which are ripe by late summer to fall and are popular with wildlife.

American Black Elderberry is valued for its ornamental flowers, edible fruit, and ease of maintenance. It is often used in naturalized plantings, as a hedge, and for erosion control due to its suckering habit. It is also cultivated for its berries, which are used in jams, wines, and medicinal products. Elderberry prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to pests like borers and diseases such as powdery mildew. Pruning is recommended to maintain a tidy appearance and promote vigorous growth.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-12 feet
  • Width: 6-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist, well-drained soils of forest margins, stream banks, and open areas across Eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: American Elder, Canada Elderberry, Common Elderberry, White Elder, Sirop Blanc, Sureau Blanc, Sureau Du Canada, Amerikaanse Vlier, Kanadischer Holunder, Sauco De Canada

Scientific Names: , Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis, Sambucus nigra var. canadensis, Sambucus mexicana, Sambucus glauca, Sambucus orbiculata, Sambucus canadensis var. canadensis, Sambucus simpsonii, Sambucus canadensis var. laciniata

GBIF Accepted Name: Sambucus canadensis L.