Also known as American Elder · Black Elderberry · Canada Elderberry
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
American black elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a fast-growing deciduous shrub known for its large white flower clusters and edible dark purple berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Water when top 2-5 cm of soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Loamy, Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures once established.USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Compost is beneficial.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Unripe berries, roots, stems, and leaves contain cyanide-producing glycosides. Ripe berries, when cooked, are edible.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Sambucus canadensis prefers consistent moisture. Water deeply when the top 2-5 cm of soil feels dry, especially during establishment and dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. To encourage fruiting, cut back stems that produced fruit last year to a few buds.
For a bushier plant, prune to encourage branching from the base.
Elderberries are easily propagated from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
Alternatively, root cuttings can be taken in fall or winter. Division of suckers in early spring is also effective.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established outdoor plants as they are large shrubs. For container-grown specimens, repot every 2-3 years in early spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.
This ensures adequate space for root growth and replenishes soil nutrients.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of American Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Where American Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Viburnaceae |
| Genus | Sambucus |
| Species | Sambucus canadensis |
Similar in genus Sambucus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
