SelecTree: Tree Detail
AMERICAN ELDERBERRY
Sambucus canadensis
Photo Locations: Louisiana State Arboretum - Ville Platte, LA, UC Berkeley Botanic Garden - Berkeley, CA and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
General Notes
Branches droop and are susceptible to breakage. Trainable as a standard. Berries make delicious jellies and wine.
Native to Central to Eastern North America.
Family: Adoxaceae
Synonyms
Sambucus mexicana
Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis
Additional Common Names
AMERICAN ELDERBERRY, COMMON ELDERBERRY
Tree Characteristics
Rounded Shape.
Has Deciduous foliage.
Height: 10 - 15 feet.
Width: 6 - 10 feet.
Growth Rate: 24 or More Inches per Year.
Leaves Pinnately Compound Odd, Green, Golden or Yellow or Orange, Deciduous.
Flowers Showy. White. Flowers in Summer. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
Purple Berry, Small (0.25 - 0.50 inches), fruiting in Summer or Fall Edible and Wildlife use it.
Bark Reddish Brown, Rough.
Shading Capacity Rated as Low to Moderately Low in Leaf.
Shading Capacity Rated as out of Leaf.
Litter Issue is Leaves.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 1 - 7 and 14 - 17.
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 9.
Exposure Full Sun.
Wet but Well Drained Soil.
Loam or Sand Texture.
Acidic to Alkaline Soil pH.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Borer, Canker, Leaf Spot and Powdery Mildew.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Weak.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
Desirable Wildlife Plant.
Attracts Birds.
Wildlife use Fruit.
Special Uses & Values
Specimen or Container.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Sambucus canadensis Tree Record." 1995-2021. Apr 12, 2021.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/sambucus-canadensis >
SelecTree Nursery Connection Map
Cal Poly / ESRI