• Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: Mark Hutchinson, Hernando Chapter, FNPS
  • Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis

elderberry, American elder

Nomenclature

Common Name:

elderberry, American elder

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis

Family:

Adoxaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

10-15 ft, at least as wide as it is tall, sometimes wider.

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

blue,purple,black

Phenology:

Deciduous in the north, evergreen in the south. Blooms spring-summer (into fall in the south).

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Casual settings, wetland edge or screen plant. Rain gardens and bioswales. Long bloom period.

Considerations:

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Availability:

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Propagation:

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Light:

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Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded---------------------------------Extremely Dry

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Stays wet -to- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Clay, Loam

Soil pH:

Adaptable

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Caterpillars, Hummingbirds, Birds, Mammals

Flowers attract many pollinators.

Fruits popular with birds.

Native Habitats:

Disturbed wetland edges, wet roadsides, etc.

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Fruits used for creation of wine, jam/jelly.



Flowers sometimes used in salads or cooked and can be used to make a light wine similar to champagne.

General Comments:

Used extensively in Indian cultures. Fruits are very high in Vitamin C.