Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
American elderberry is a fast-growing native shrub with large, flat clusters of creamy-white flowers in early summer, followed by heavy clusters of purple-black berries. Home growers love it for elderberry syrup, jam and wine — and the birds love it too. It thrives in moist soil and along ditches and wet edges.
- Type
- Native shrub
- Mature height
- 2–4 m
- Mature spread
- 2–3 m
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Light
- Sun to part shade
- Soil
- Moist
Elderberry through the years and seasons
Photos show what this species typically looks like. They are not photos of our own stock.
Best for
- Berries for syrup, jam and wine
- Moist spots, ditches and pond edges
- Pollinators and birds
- Fast-growing informal screens
Growing tips
- Plant two or more for better fruit set.
- Berries must be cooked before eating — raw berries, leaves and stems can cause stomach upset.
- Prune out old stems in early spring to keep it productive.
Sizes: Typically offered potted. Ask for current sizes and quantities. We also offer delivery and professional planting.
Where to buy Elderberry near you: our farm is in South Stormont, a short drive from Cornwall and Long Sault. We deliver and plant elderberry across South Stormont, Long Sault, Ingleside, Cornwall, Morrisburg, Williamstown, Lancaster, Alexandria, Chesterville and Winchester and the rest of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.