Native Plants from American Beauties
Previous Plant Next Plant

Sambucus canadensis 'Adams'

'Adams' Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

American elderberry is a thicket-forming shrub with large flat-topped clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in spring. The flowers are a good source of nectar for small insects. Big clusters of dark purple to black, berry-like fruits follow in late summer to fall. The fruit is an outstanding source of food for birds and other wildlife. The old stems provide over-wintering sites for insects. Birds such as woodpeckers then forage in the clumps for the insects.

Benefits:

  • Flowers provide nectar for pollinators

  • The fruit is favored by birds and other wildlife

  • Old stems provide habitat for over-wintering insects

  • Excellent for naturalizing in moist soil
  • Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

    Plant in full sun to part shade.

    Grow in medium wet, well-drained soil. Prefers moist, organically rich soil.

    Spreads by root suckers to form colonies.

    Prune out dead or weakened stems in early spring. Can be cut to the ground every two years to encourage denser growth.


    Height
    8-10 Feet

    spacer

    Spread
    8-10 Feet


    Native Range
    Moist woods, fields, and roadsides; Nova Scotia to Manitoba south to Mexico and Florida.

    spacer

    Native Trivia
    The pithy stems of elderberry are hollow and can be whittled to make flutes, whistles and blow guns. Stem sections were once used as drains (spiles) in tapping sugar maple trees.


    USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

    spacer

    "You'll love this fruit in jellies, pies, preserves and wines just as much as birds like it!"

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Plan Sub Group
    Medium to Tall Shrubs
    Exposure
    Filtered Shade
    Sun
    Soil Moisture Preference
    Average
    Moist
    Attracts Wildlife
    Songbirds
    Beneficial insects
    Bloom Time
    Summer
    Habitat Collection
    Wet Sun
    Songbird
    Butterfly
    Home Become a Participating Garden Center Press About the National Wildlife Federation Contact Us