New England Wild Flower Society

Printed at http://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/index.cfm/

Sambucus nigra

black elderberry, American elder (Sambucus canadensis)

With wandering branches, broad corymbs of fluffy white flowers, and a beautiful late-season crop of dark berries, this shrub is as pleasing to wildlife as it is to humans. The fruit is edible, but should be cooked, dried, or fermented prior to consumption.

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Height: 5-8 ft
Spread: 3-8 ft
Hardiness Zone: 4-9


Bloom Color: White

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
• Species
Exposure
• Part Shade
Soil Moisture
• Wet
Ecoregion
• (82) Acadian Plains and Hills
• (58) Northeastern Highlands
• (83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
• (59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
• (84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
Ornamental Interest
• Spring Bloom
• Summer Fruit
Attracts Wildlife
• Other Pollinators/Wildlife
• Host Plant
• Attracts Songbirds
• Attracts Bees
• Attracts Butterflies
Tolerance
• Compaction Tolerant
• Urban Environment
• Salt Tolerant
Additional Attributes
• Edible
• Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
• Hedge/screening
• Massing
• Specimen
• Rain Garden
• Naturalize
Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit
• Purple to Black Fruit


North American Distribution


black elderberry - Sambucus nigra from Native Plant Trust
black elderberry - Sambucus nigra from Native Plant Trust
black elderberry - Sambucus nigra from Native Plant Trust