Common or American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a beautiful deciduous shrub with excellent wildlife value. Its berries attract a wide range of bird species, and it hosts a number of native moth and butterfly species. American elderberry typically grows 5-12 feet tall, tolerates flooding, and transplants well. It is slow-growing in shade, but fast-growing in full sunlight.

Photos: shrub by Willow, fruits by H Zell, flower by Steven Baskauf

BUNDLE BREAKDOWN:

Per-bundle pricing displayed below. Multiple-bundle pricing reflected in shopping cart.

Bundle of 5: $17

Bundle of 10: $26

Bundle of 25: $50

Bundle of 50: $81

Bundle of 100: $135

STATS ON COMMON ELDERBERRY

• Mature Height:  5–12 ft

• Mature Width:  5–12 ft

• Soil Type:  wet, flooding, loamy sand

• Moisture:  Moderate, Wet

• Sun:  Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade

• Growth Rate:  Slow to Fast

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMON ELDERBERRY

• Fruits prized by wildlife and edible by humans with processing

• Tolerates flooding and many conditions

• Striking white blooms in midsummer

• Multitude of stems make good nesting habitat for birds.

VISITORS ATTRACTED TO COMMON ELDERBERRY

HELP CONTROL INVASIVES!

Common elderberry is a great alternative to invasive buckthorns (Rhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus), which release toxins into the soil that can harm frogs and other plants. In addition, common elderberry is a great team-player in the habitat, providing food and shelter to a multitude of native wildlife in many different settings.