American Black Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Also listed as Sambucus simpsonii, Sambucus eberhardtii
Also known as Black Elderberry, American Elderberry, Elderberry
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A native deciduous shrub prized for its large clusters of white flowers in late spring and abundant black berries in late summer that attract wildlife. The berries are edible and commonly used for jams, syrups, and elderberry products.
Why grow it
American black elderberry is a native alternative to European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in eastern and central North American gardens, offering comparable berry yields with better adaptation to local conditions. It typically fruits slightly later in summer, which can extend the harvest window in some regions. The species supports native pollinators and wildlife effectively and requires less supplemental irrigation once established compared to non-native cultivars.
Watch out for
Elderberries require consistent moisture during the growing season and can develop chlorosis in highly alkaline soils, though they tolerate a wider pH range than some ornamental shrubs. Birds will compete heavily for ripe berries if harvest timing is not closely monitored. Unpruned plants can become dense and tangled, making pest monitoring and disease management more difficult over time. Cook the berries before eating; raw berries, leaves and stems can make you sick.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Viburnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A native deciduous shrub prized for its large clusters of white flowers in late spring and abundant black berries in late summer that attract wildlife. The berries are edible and commonly used for jams, syrups, and elderberry products.
Climate Match for your location
See how well American Black Elderberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
American black elderberry is a native alternative to European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in eastern and central North American gardens, offering comparable berry yields with better adaptation to local conditions. It typically fruits slightly later in summer, which can extend the harvest window in some regions. The species supports native pollinators and wildlife effectively and requires less supplemental irrigation once established compared to non-native cultivars.
Watch out for
Elderberries require consistent moisture during the growing season and can develop chlorosis in highly alkaline soils, though they tolerate a wider pH range than some ornamental shrubs. Birds will compete heavily for ripe berries if harvest timing is not closely monitored. Unpruned plants can become dense and tangled, making pest monitoring and disease management more difficult over time. Cook the berries before eating; raw berries, leaves and stems can make you sick.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Viburnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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