General Information
Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis
Common Names: American black elderberry, common elderberry, Canada elderberry
Family: Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)
Native Range: Eastern and central North America, from Canada to northern South America
Plant Characteristics,
Growth Habit: Deciduous shrub or small tree
Height: Typically 6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 meters), can reach up to 20 feet (6 meters)
Spread: Forms clumps through root suckers
Lifespan: 20–30 years
Leaves
Type: Opposite, pinnately compound
Leaflets: Usually 5–11, serrated margins
Color: Dark green, turning yellow in fall
Flowers
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May–July)
Color: White to cream
Shape: Small, star-shaped flowers in large, flat-topped clusters (umbels) up to 10 inches (25 cm) across
Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other insects
Fruit
Type: Small, round drupes (berries)
Color: Dark purple to black when ripe
Size: ¼ inch (6 mm) diameter
Ripening Time: Late summer to early fall (August–September)
Edibility: Edible when cooked, toxic when raw (contains cyanogenic glycosides)
Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay and loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0)
Water Needs: Medium to high; thrives in moist environments like riverbanks and wetlands
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3–9
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings, or root suckers
Ecological Importance
Wildlife Value:
Provides food for birds (robins, bluebirds, cedar waxwings) and mammals (deer, raccoons)
Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies
Erosion Control: Helps stabilize soil in wetland areas
Companion Plants: Grows well with willows, red-twig dogwood, and other moisture-loving plants
Uses
Culinary Uses:
Berries used in jams, jellies, syrups, wines, and pies
Flowers can be made into teas, syrups, and elderflower cordial
Medicinal Uses:
Traditionally used for immune support, colds, and flu (rich in antioxidants and vitamin C)
Anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties
Used in herbal teas and syrups
Other Uses:
Dye from berries (deep purple)
Wood used for crafting flutes and small instruments
Ornamental shrub in gardens
Toxicity
Raw Berries: Contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed in large quantities
Leaves, Stems, and Unripe Berries: Toxic to humans and livestock
Cooking Neutralizes Toxins: Proper cooking makes the berries safe to consume
Pest and Disease Resistance
Pests: Aphids, elder borer beetles, spider mites
Diseases: Powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, verticillium wilt
Resilience: Generally low-maintenance and hardy in naturalized settings
Interesting Facts
Used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes and food
Elderberry syrup is popular in herbal medicine for immune support
Often confused with European elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which is similar but native to Europe
Flowers are highly fragrant and attract pollinators
