Sambucus canadensis (American black elderberry)

1 / 8

Sambucus, Genus, canadensis, Species,

Genus & species

American black elderberry

Viburnaceae eastern and central North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (light)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Sambucus canadensis is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to eastern and central North America, reaching 5-12 feet (1.5-3.7 m) tall and wide. The arching stems are soft and pithy, with a thick white center, and rise from a spreading root system that produces suckers. Leaves are pinnately compound, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, with five to nine toothed leaflets. In early to midsummer the shrub bears flat-topped clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) across. These are followed by drooping clusters of small purple-black berries about 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide that ripen in late summer. The cooked ripe berries and flowers are used in syrups, jams, and wine, but the raw berries, leaves, stems, and roots contain cyanogenic compounds that can cause nausea and vomiting. The shrub grows quickly, often reaching full size within three or four years, and can spread into colonies if suckers are left in place. It grows in moist soils along streams, ditches, and woodland edges, and tolerates seasonal flooding.

Native Range

Sambucus canadensis is native to eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia and Manitoba south to Florida and Texas, and into Mexico and the Caribbean. It grows naturally in moist, fertile ground along streambanks, roadside ditches, fencerows, and the edges of woods and fields.

Suggested Uses

Sambucus canadensis is used in native hedgerows, wildlife plantings, rain gardens, and the margins of ponds and streams. It is also grown as a small fruit crop for its edible cooked flowers and berries. The dense growth and heavy fruit set support birds and pollinators.

How to Identify

Look for arching stems with a thick, soft white pith and opposite, pinnately compound leaves of five to nine toothed leaflets. The broad, flat-topped clusters of small creamy-white flowers appear in summer, later giving way to nodding clusters of purple-black berries. Broken stems show the characteristic spongy white center.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 12'

Width/Spread5' - 12'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Flowers: June–July

Summer

Flowering occurs in early to midsummer, mainly June and July, with flat-topped clusters of fragrant creamy-white flowers. In warm regions a lighter second flush can appear in late summer. Berries ripen from August into September, darkening from green to purple-black.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 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 - 7.0 (Acidic to neutral)

3579

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Sambucus canadensis in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile soil; it tolerates wet ground and seasonal flooding better than most shrubs. Steady moisture produces the heaviest flowering and fruiting, while prolonged drought causes leaf scorch and dieback. The shrub suckers freely and can form a thicket, so the root zone is often confined where a single plant is wanted. Plants fruit most heavily when two or more genetically different shrubs grow near each other for cross-pollination. Stems are short-lived, and older canes are cut to the ground to renew vigorous growth. Aphids, borers, and powdery mildew occur but are seldom fatal.

Pruning

Pruning is done in late winter while the plant is dormant. Clearing the oldest canes at ground level each year encourages strong new growth and larger fruit clusters. Some growers cut the entire shrub back hard every few years to renew it, accepting a lighter crop the following season.