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American Elder

Sambucus canadensis
Zones: 4 - 9


The American Elder Grows in zones 4 - 9
  • Blooms in the summer, producing small, star-shaped yellowish-white flowers in clusters 6–10" wide
  • Yields edible dark purple berries August–September — good for jellies, pies, juice, and wine; for best fruiting, plant multiple shrubs
  • Features pinnately compound dark green leaves with 5–11 (typically 7) leaflets, each 2–6" long
  • Grows in a rounded shape
  • Should be pruned regularly to maintain its multi-stemmed form
  • Can be pruned into a single-stemmed small tree

Tree Details

Shape

Rounded

Growth Speed

Fast

Scientific Name

Sambucus canadensis

Mature Height

5' - 12'

Mature Spread

5' - 12'

Shipping Height

2' - 3'

Highlights

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 also to draw in a variety of different bird species. To ensure a good crop, plant more than one shrub.

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.

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