1 American Elderberry Plant 12-24 in Sambucus canadensis Native Berry Shrub

American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a native North American shrub valued for its clusters of small white flowers, dark purple berries, and wildlife-friendly nature. This fast-growing deciduous shrub typically reaches 5-12 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for hedgerows, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. The fragrant flowers attract pollinators, while the berries provide food for birds and can be used in jams, jellies, and wines when properly prepared.

With its multi-stemmed habit and lush green foliage, American Elderberry adds texture and seasonal interest to the landscape. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. This native shrub is a great addition to wildlife gardens, edible landscapes, and native plant collections.

Plant Features

• Native to North America and adaptable to various soil types
• Produces flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers in early summer
• Berries ripen in late summer to early fall and attract birds
• Fast-growing and spreads by suckers to form colonies
• Provides cover and food for wildlife

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus canadensis
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions
• Water Requirements: Moderate to high; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed, suckering
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Season: Early to mid-summer
• Mature Height: 5-12 feet
• Spacing: 6-10 feet apart

Planting & Care

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, elderberry is relatively low-maintenance; prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged wood and to control size. Elderberry benefits from cross-pollination, so planting another variety nearby can improve fruit set.

This plant is shipped as a live plant in a pot, ready to be transplanted into your garden. It may die back to the ground in colder zones but will regrow in spring.

What's Included

One American Elderberry plant, 12-24 inches tall, in a pot.