Description
Deciduous, North American shrub
Description: Large clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers in early summer followed by edible, blue-black berries; distinctive, pinnately-compound leaves
Habit: Multi-stemmed, upright shrub grows 10-12’ tall and wide; spreads by suckers to form colonies
Culture: Prefers full sun to part shade and rich, medium to moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3
Origin: North America
Attributes: Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies; Fragrant flowers; Edible fruits; Rain Garden
Jefferson documented
Native to moist regions in much of North America, Sambucus canadensis was included in Bartram’s Catalogue of American Trees, Shrubs, and Herbacious Plants (1783) as “Sambucus, Elder.” Thomas Jefferson may have been referring to the American Black Elderberry in his Notes on the State of Virginia (1780s); claiming to “confine [him]self to native plants,” Jefferson included “Elder. Sambucus nigra.” in a list of ornamental plants, possibly neglecting to add the subspecies canadensis which distinguishes this native from its close European relative, Sambucus nigra. The lemon-scented flowers are edible and also attract bees and butterflies, while the late summer fruits can be made into jams and jellies, as well as elderberry wine and syrup.
American Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) arrives in a 2 gallon pot.
