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American Elder shrub - Sambucus Canadensis
American Elder shrub - Sambucus Canadensis
Picture of American Elder
Picture of American Elder

American Elder

Zones: 4 - 9
$14.99 Regular Price
Not a member? Join during checkout to save up to 33% on trees in our Tree Nursery with member pricing.
With proper planting and care, we’re here to support your success for 60 days after delivery (shipping fees not included).
Select an option for shipping dates
Bare Root or Potted?

This fast-growing shrub is known for its large clusters of yellowish-white, star-shaped flowers. Grown as a border, it provides an incredible summer floral display. But its lovely flowers aren’t the American elder’s only claim to fame. The dark purple elderberries are used to make jellies, pies, juice, and wine and to draw in a variety of different bird species. To ensure a good crop, plant more than one shrub.

  • Displays star-shaped yellowish-white flowers
  • Produces edible dark purple berries 
  • Can be used as a hedge or pruned into a single-stemmed small tree
Horticulture Zone Map Source Logos
The American Elder grows in zones 4 - 9

Your Tree’s Personality

Shape

Rounded

Growth Speed

Fast

Scientific Name

Sambucus canadensis

Mature Height

5' - 12'

Mature Spread

5' - 12'

Sun Preference

Full Sun, Partial Sun/Shade

Soil Preference

Acidic, Clay, Drought, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Silty Loam, Well Drained, Wet

Wildlife Value

The edible berries provide food for dozens of bird species and other wildlife.

History/Lore

It was introduced in 1761.

Planting Instructions

Bare-Root Tree

Bare-root trees are shipped without soil around their roots. They are shipped when dormant (sleep state). In this dormant state, deciduous trees may display small buds but not leaves. Roots will come coated in a hydrating gel. Bare-root trees require more attention and care initially to ensure they remain properly watered and protected from extreme weather conditions.

Benefits:
  • Cost-effective
  • Roots re-establish quickly once planted, meaning growth will begin faster
  • Easy to plant at the correct depth
Potted Tree

Potted trees are available in a variety of sizes. Because the roots are packed in soil, the trees do not need to be dormant for shipping. Potted trees often have a more established appearance with leaves and foliage, providing an immediate visual impact on the landscape.

Benefits:
  • Reduced transplant shock
  • Extended shipping/planting season
  • Higher survivability
Which Tree is Right for Me?

With the option of ordering either standard or semi-dwarf trees and either bare-root or potted, be sure to consider the benefits of each option when deciding which is best for you.

Standard Height

Benefits:
  • Also functions as a shade tree
  • Can be planted farther from compatible pollinator
  • Fills a larger space

Semi-Dwarf Height

Benefits:
  • Easier to harvest fruit
  • Bears fruit sooner
  • Fits in a smaller space

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