American Elderberry Tree - 1 Bare Root Live Plant, Sambucus canadensis, Edible Berries

American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a native North American shrub prized for its clusters of small white flowers in early summer and its dark purple berries in late summer. This versatile plant adds beauty and function to the landscape, attracting pollinators and providing a food source for birds. The berries are commonly used to make jams, jellies, pies, and wine, while the flowers can be used for teas and fritters. American Elderberry is also well-suited for naturalized areas, hedgerows, and rain gardens.

This listing offers a bare root, fully rooted live plant, ready to establish in your garden. Elderberries are fast-growing and can produce fruit within a few years under optimal conditions. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. While partially self-fruitful, cross-pollination with another elderberry variety typically yields a larger harvest.

Plant Features

• Produces clusters of white flowers in early summer, followed by edible purple berries
• Attracts pollinators and beneficial wildlife
• Fast-growing deciduous shrub
• Berries are ideal for jams, jellies, pies, and wine
• Native to North America and adaptable to various soil types

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
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading shrub
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Season: Early summer
• Mature Height: 5-12 feet
• Spacing: 6-10 feet apart

Planting & Care

Plant your bare root elderberry as soon as possible after arrival. Soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots spread out, place the plant so the crown is at or slightly below soil level, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Elderberries benefit from annual pruning to remove dead or weak canes and to encourage new growth. Fertilize in early spring if needed. While elderberries are partially self-fruitful, planting another elderberry variety nearby can improve pollination and increase berry production. Harvest berries when they are fully ripe and dark purple.

What's Included

1 bare root American Elderberry tree (Sambucus canadensis), fully rooted live plant.