Start growing
Extremely easy and fast growing. Thrives in moist soil and full sun.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Elderberry
Sambucus nigracanadensis
Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
Elderberry care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Sambucus nigracanadensis
- Common names
- American Elderberry, Black Elder
- Family
- Adoxaceae
- Genus
- Sambucus
- Species
- S. canadensis
Growing with your kit
The Seeds In A Cup® kit provides a front-row seat to the Elderberry's unique 'pithy' stem structure.
Propagation
By softwood cuttings (very easy) or seed.
Seasonal growth & harvest
Blooms in early summer; berries ripen in late summer. Spreads by root suckers.
Growing conditions
Moist soils, ditches, and sunny stream banks.
Weather & tolerances
High flood tolerance; adaptable to various soil pH.
Pests & plant health
Elderberry rust and birds (who will eat all the berries!).
Plant safety
Cooked berries are safe; raw berries, stems, and leaves contain cyanide-inducing glycosides and are toxic.
Botanical features
A large deciduous shrub with large flat clusters (umbels) of tiny white flowers and deep purple berries.
Varieties
‘Wyldewood’, ‘Adams No. 1’ (Large fruit types).
Garden & everyday uses
Berries used for syrups, jellies, and immune-supporting tinctures. flowers used for Elderflower cordial
Native range & distribution
North America, east of the Rockies.
Conservation
Secure and widespread.
Name origins
From the Greek ‘sambuke’, an ancient musical instrument made from elder wood.
History
The 'Medicine Chest' tree; every part of the Elder was used by early healers for different ailments.