Sambucus spp., elderberry
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Deciduous Shrubs

Sambucus spp.

elderberry

Adoxaceae

Northern Hemisphere (multiple species; S. cerulea and S. racemosa native to PNW)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height6-20 feet (1.8-6 m)
Width6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m)
Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Sambucus species are fast-growing deciduous shrubs or small trees reaching 6-20 feet (1.8-6 m) tall depending on species, with a spread of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m), developing multi-stemmed, upright to arching forms. Stems are soft-wooded with a distinctive white pith when cut. Leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, with 5-11 leaflets, each 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, sharply serrate. Flowers are small, creamy-white to white, borne in large, flat-topped to dome-shaped terminal cymes (corymbs), 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) across, in June to July, with a distinctive musky-sweet fragrance. Berries are small, 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm), in heavy drooping clusters, ripening in August to September: blue-black in S. nigra and S. cerulea, red in S. racemosa. Key species in the Pacific Northwest include: S. nigra (European elderberry) — the primary commercial and ornamental species with numerous cultivars; S. cerulea (blue elderberry) — native to western North America; and S. racemosa (red elderberry) — native to the Pacific Northwest, with red berries that are toxic raw but edible when cooked. Growth rate is very fast at 24-36 inches (61-91 cm) per year. Ornamental cultivars include 'Black Lace' (finely dissected purple-black foliage, pink flowers), 'Black Beauty' (purple foliage, pink flowers), and 'Aurea' (golden foliage). Raw berries of most species contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be cooked before consumption; S. racemosa berries require cooking. All green parts (leaves, stems, roots, unripe berries) are toxic.

Native Range

Sambucus nigra: native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Sambucus cerulea (syn. S. nigra subsp. cerulea): native to western North America from British Columbia to Mexico. Sambucus racemosa: native across the Northern Hemisphere including the Pacific Northwest. Multiple species native to or naturalized in the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Planted in mixed borders, hedgerows, wildlife gardens, and naturalized areas, spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) apart. Fruit is valued for making elderberry syrup, wine, and jam (cook before consuming). Elderflower cordial and fritters are made from the flower clusters. Purple-leaved cultivars ('Black Lace', 'Black Beauty') provide dramatic foliage color in mixed borders. Wildlife value is high: berries are consumed by over 40 bird species. Native species (S. cerulea, S. racemosa) are appropriate for native plant gardens and restoration. Suitable for large containers (minimum 15-gallon).

How to Identify

Identified by opposite, pinnately compound leaves with 5-11 serrate leaflets, soft-wooded stems with white pith, large flat-topped cymes of small creamy-white flowers, and clusters of small berries. Distinguished from Sorbus (mountain ash, also compound-leaved with berry clusters) by opposite (not alternate) leaves and flat (not domed) flower clusters. S. racemosa has dome-shaped (not flat) flower clusters and red berries. Purple-leaved cultivars are distinctive.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 20'
Width/Spread6' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Large flat-topped cymes of creamy-white flowers appear in June to July, lasting 3-4 weeks. Fragrance is musky-sweet and distinctive. Flowers are attractive to pollinators and are edible — used in elderflower cordial, fritters, and wine. Berries ripen in August to September. S. racemosa blooms earlier (April to May) with dome-shaped clusters.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Creamy-white (pink in purple-leaved cultivars)

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green (purple in ornamental cultivars)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysilt
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but produce better fruit with consistent moisture. Plant in full sun for best flowering, fruit production, and foliage color on ornamental cultivars; tolerates part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils including wet, heavy clay. Mulch generously. Fast growth requires annual pruning to maintain form. Aphids are common on new growth. Relatively pest- and disease-free otherwise. Purple-leaved cultivars may revert to green in heavy shade.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February through March). Remove oldest stems (more than 3 years) at the base to maintain vigor and promote new growth, which flowers and fruits most heavily. For established plants, a one-third renewal pruning annually (removing one-third of the oldest canes) maintains productivity. Can be coppiced to the ground every 3-5 years for complete rejuvenation; vigorous regrowth follows. Ornamental cultivars can be pruned harder to maintain compact form and foliage color.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans