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Elderberry

Sambucus Canadensis

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Overview

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), a versatile North American native, features clusters of small white-to-cream flowers in spring, which mature into dark purple berries coveted by wildlife. This deciduous shrub grows to 5-12 feet high and wide, thriving in full sun to partial shade. It adapts to a range of soil conditions, preferring moist, well-drained sites. Ideal for naturalized settings, it offers culinary value and supports pollinators. Zones 3-9.

Sun Full, HalfWater High, MediumZones 3–9Type ShrubClimate Alpine, Temperate
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — but can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage fruit production
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — a versatile North American native; this deciduous shrub grows to 5-12 feet high and wide, thriving in full sun to partialElderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — This deciduous shrub grows to 5-12 feet high and wide, thriving in full sun to partial shadeElderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — Incorporating elderberries in a garden invites a host of ecological benefits; by late summer to early fallElderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — shrub for full or half; while also providing potential edible yields for the homeowner, image 81Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — which mature into dark purple berries coveted by wildlife; about 1/4 inch in diameter, image 57Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — They are relatively low-maintenance; features clusters of small white-to-cream flowers in spring, image 74+94

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
High, Medium
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Mature width
5–6 Ft.

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Climate
Alpine, Temperate

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Photos (101)

Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — but can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage fruit production
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — a versatile North American native; this deciduous shrub grows to 5-12 feet high and wide, thriving in full sun to partial
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — This deciduous shrub grows to 5-12 feet high and wide, thriving in full sun to partial shade
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — Incorporating elderberries in a garden invites a host of ecological benefits; by late summer to early fall
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — shrub for full or half; while also providing potential edible yields for the homeowner, image 81
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — which mature into dark purple berries coveted by wildlife; about 1/4 inch in diameter, image 57
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — They are relatively low-maintenance; features clusters of small white-to-cream flowers in spring, image 74
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — shrub for full or half
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — The plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9; the elderberry bursts into clusters of creamy white flowers
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — It adapts to a range of soil conditions, preferring moist, well-drained sites, image 59
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — In the late spring to early summer; shrub for full or half, image 66
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — while also providing potential edible yields for the homeowner
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — They are relatively low-maintenance; features clusters of small white-to-cream flowers in spring
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — elderberry shrubs offer a lush; ideal for naturalized settings, it offers culinary value and supports pollinators, image 63
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — elderberry shrubs offer a lush
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — about 1/4 inch in diameter
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — commonly 6 to 10 inches in diameter, image 68
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — Incorporating elderberries in a garden invites a host of ecological benefits
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — is a versatile and hardy deciduous shrub native to a wide array of regions across North America; and, image 61
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — The plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — The plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9; the elderberry bursts into clusters of creamy white, image 64
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — white flowers in the garden; the plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, image 79
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — shrub with white blooms; dark purple to black berries
Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) — about 1/4 inch in diameter; providing nectar for pollinators, image 72
Photographs by 9 contributors

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