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treePerennialEdible
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Also known as: American elderberry, elder, elderberry shrub
Fast-growing native shrub with flat-topped white flower clusters and dark purple-black berry clusters. Berries must be cooked before eating.
Growing Requirements
SunFull Sun
WaterHigh
Soil Type
Soil DrainageModerate
Soil pH
Plant Spacing72–120″
Row Spacing96–144″
Planting Depth—
Height72–144″
Spread60–120″
✗ Not Container Friendly✗ Not Raised Bed Friendly
Planting Schedule
Transplant Outdoors
0–9 weeks after last frost
Days to Harvest
365–730 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Zones 3–9
Can overwinter in appropriate zones
Perennial in zones 3–9
Plant two different varieties for cross-pollination. Raw berries are toxic — always cook before consuming. Cut oldest canes to ground in late winter.
Companion Plants
No companion data available for this plant yet.