American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): Native Wildlife Shrub with Edible Fruit

American Elderberry: Native Shrub for Wildlife, Flowers, and Fruit

Sambucus canadensis is a familiar native shrub of eastern North America, commonly found along streambanks, roadsides, and moist woodlands. It features pinnate leaves with toothed leaflets, large flattened clusters of small white flowers in summer, and purple-black berries in late summer/fall that attract wildlife. Grows to 12 feet but tolerates pruning. Berries are edible when cooked.

Wildlife & Ornamental Value

• Native to eastern North America
• Large white flower clusters in summer
• Purple-black berries attract birds
• Edible fruit when cooked (raw causes discomfort)
• Tolerates hard pruning to control size
• Good for wet sites

Growing Requirements

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Average, medium to wet, humusy
• Water: Medium to wet
• Maintenance: Moderate; prune dead/weak stems in early spring

Propagation

Sow seed in autumn in open frame; hardwood cuttings in winter, greenwood in early summer. Colonizes by root suckers.

Potential Problems

Powdery mildew, canker, dieback, rust, viruses, fungal leaf spots, borers.

Quick Reference

Height/Spread:	10–15 ft.
Bloom Time:	Summer
Flower Color:	White
Fruit:	Purple-black, edible cooked
Growth Rate:	Moderate
Uses:	Borders, roadsides, screening, waterside, wildlife gardens