Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Elderberry is best grown in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich and slightly acidic. 

Growth Habit/Description:

A deciduous woody plant that typically reaches between 5'-12' in height and 6-10’ in width with pinnately compound, opposite, and toothed leaves.  Leaves are soft with a lacey appearance. White clusters of flowers reaching up to 10'' across precede drupes that turn a deep purple.  Wind pollinizing, so best planted within 60' of others. Can take a few years for fruit-bearing to be plentiful. 

Bloom Season:

White clusters of flowers, called cymes (up to 10'' across) bloom in early June. By late July, Drupes have formed and begun to darken.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No.  During early fall, there may be some foilage, but during winter only bark is produced. 

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes. Elderberry is a host plant for 26 different caterpillars, including but not limited to: Cecropia Silkmoth, White Lined Sphinx, Polyphemus moth, and Smith's Dart.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   The leaves and twigs are browsed by deer.  Berries provide food for birds and various mammals.  Alongside the berries, the nectar and pollen attract many different kinds of birds.

Origin of Name: The genus name comes from the Ancient Greek musical instrument, sambuce, for which it provided parts, and the common name from an old word aeld meaning "fire", as the hollowed-out sticks could be used like straws to blow air onto a fire to stoke it.

Related Plant Species: The common Elderberry is known by many names, so there are few truly related plant species, but the main relative is the European Black Elder, Sambucus nigra, which is more treelike than the Common Elderberry

Use For Food/Medicine: Although they are inedible raw, cooked elderberries are often used for pies, syrups, jams, and wine. Indigenous Americans often used them to assist in treating inflammatory disorders and bacterial infections, and also often used in syrups for sore throats.

David Lowenstein, Michigan State University Extension. (2020). Growing elderberry in the garden. Gardening in Michigan. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/elderberries_an_edible_landscape_plant

Elderberry. (n.d.). Extension | West Virginia University. https://extension.wvu.edu/agriculture/horticulture/elderberry

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SANIC4

Sambucus canadensis  - Plant Finder. (n.d.). https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f470

Sambucus canadensis (American Elder, American Elderberry, Common Elderberry, Elderberry) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sambucus-canadensis/

Specify Your Location - Native Plants Finder. Elderberry - Native Plant Finder. (n.d.). https://www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder/Plants/2917

Smith, M. L. (n.d.). Elderberry in the garden and the kitchen. https://extension.psu.edu/elderberry-in-the-garden-and-the-kitchen

Last edited by Lukas Bowler, September 2023.