(Sambucus canadensis)
American elderberry offers everything you would want in a garden shrub. Fast growing, adaptable, free of pests and diseases, and topping out around 12’ tall, it can be planted just about anywhere with sunshine and thrive. Its huge white flower umbrellas are followed by enormous berry clusters in late summer, offering enough fruit to be enjoyed by both gardener and wildlife alike. The fruit and flowers are both easy to harvest in large quantities, and once cooked are edible and have many medicinal properties.
Taste Profile (once cooked): Tart, tangy, earthy-sweet
Hardiness zone: 3-9
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with pH 5.5-6.5
Mature height: 8-12’
Spacing: 4-8’ apart
Pollination: Elderberries are partially self-fertile, but having 2+ plants can increase yields.
Planting tips: Make sure your planting hole has good drainage by digging a large hole and stabbing the bottom and sides with a shovel so water can drain. Fill the hole with native soil to help water disperse evenly. Consistent watering is crucial for newly planted trees to help minimize transplant shock and establish strong roots.
Growing tips: Elderberries should be pruned back hard every 1-2 years to maintain plant vigor.
We are unable to ship this product outside the contiguous US or to California.
All fall 2025 orders are for dormant, bare root plants and will be shipped or available for pick up in October-November. Ordering closes November 1st.
(Sambucus canadensis)
American elderberry offers everything you would want in a garden shrub. Fast growing, adaptable, free of pests and diseases, and topping out around 12’ tall, it can be planted just about anywhere with sunshine and thrive. Its huge white flower umbrellas are followed by enormous berry clusters in late summer, offering enough fruit to be enjoyed by both gardener and wildlife alike. The fruit and flowers are both easy to harvest in large quantities, and once cooked are edible and have many medicinal properties.
Taste Profile (once cooked): Tart, tangy, earthy-sweet
Hardiness zone: 3-9
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with pH 5.5-6.5
Mature height: 8-12’
Spacing: 4-8’ apart
Pollination: Elderberries are partially self-fertile, but having 2+ plants can increase yields.
Planting tips: Make sure your planting hole has good drainage by digging a large hole and stabbing the bottom and sides with a shovel so water can drain. Fill the hole with native soil to help water disperse evenly. Consistent watering is crucial for newly planted trees to help minimize transplant shock and establish strong roots.
Growing tips: Elderberries should be pruned back hard every 1-2 years to maintain plant vigor.
We are unable to ship this product outside the contiguous US or to California.
All fall 2025 orders are for dormant, bare root plants and will be shipped or available for pick up in October-November. Ordering closes November 1st.
