American Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis)

Bring beauty, biodiversity, and bounty to your garden with Sambucus canadensis, better known as American Elderberry. This native shrub is a powerhouse of edible, medicinal, and ecological value — beloved by pollinators, birds, herbalists, and homesteaders alike.

Plant Height:
6–12 feet tall and wide (can be pruned to size)

Growing Zone:
Zones 3–9

Sun Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade (more sun = more berries)

Ease of Growing:
Very easy – low maintenance and fast growing

Why Grow American Elderberry?
This hardy deciduous shrub grows quickly, forming lush green foliage, massive clusters of creamy white flowers in early summer, and deep purple-black berries by late summer. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the berries are a magnet for songbirds — and a prized ingredient in elderberry syrup, jellies, wines, and tinctures.

Sambucus canadensis is a fantastic native alternative to ornamental shrubs, offering both beauty and utility. It’s also an excellent choice for rain gardens, hedgerows, and naturalized borders, thriving in moist, fertile soil.