American Elderberry Live Plant – 1 Dormant Rooted Starter, Sambucus canadensis

American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a native North American shrub valued for its clusters of small white flowers in early summer and its dark purple berries in late summer. This deciduous shrub brings multi-season interest to the landscape and is a favorite for wildlife gardens, hedgerows, and edible landscapes. The berries are commonly used for jams, jellies, and pies after cooking, while the flowers can be used for teas and fritters.

This listing offers one dormant, live rooted starter plant, ready to establish in your garden. Elderberry is fast-growing and can reach maturity within a few years, providing quick results for new plantings.

Plant Features

• Native North American shrub with fragrant white flower clusters in early summer
• Produces dark purple berries in late summer, ideal for cooking and baking
• Attracts pollinators and beneficial wildlife to the garden
• Fast-growing and adaptable to a range of soil conditions
• Dormant rooted starter plant ships ready for planting

Growing Information

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

Planting & Care

Plant your dormant elderberry starter in early spring or fall, when the plant is not actively growing. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery. Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish. Once established, elderberry is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from annual pruning to remove dead or weak canes and to encourage new growth. Elderberry produces best fruit set when planted near another elderberry variety for cross-pollination, though it can still produce some fruit on its own.

What's Included

One dormant, live rooted starter plant of American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis).