American Elderberry
Deciduous shrub growing 1.5-3 m tall. Features compound leaves and large, flat-topped clusters of small white flowers in early summer, followed by edible purple-black berries. Prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Attracts pollinators and provides food for birds. Berries used for food and medicine. Suitable for naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, and edible landscapes. Native to eastern and central North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: White
Bloom Time: Early-Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Moist to Wet
Phenology: Leaves emerge May. Large white flower clusters appear June-July. Purple-black fruit clusters ripen August-September. Yellow fall color develops early October.
Wildlife Value: Berries eaten by >50 bird species; flowers attract native pollinators; important cover for wildlife; fruits edible for mammals
Habit Over Time: Creates a large, multi-stemmed shrub that gradually spreads through root suckers. New stems emerge regularly from the base, creating a dense structure that becomes more open toward the top. While it can form extensive colonies over time, the spread is predictable and manageable. The open branching pattern allows good visibility through the plant at eye level.
Height: Tall (5-12 feet)