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Shrub
Viburnaceae
Native fruit-bearing shrubs
American Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Product code : AKENE-0052
Native flowering shrub with fragrant white blooms and dark berries valued by wildlife.
- Quantity
- Approximately 25 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- 3 to 8
Discover the plant
Common nameAmerican Elderberry
FamilyViburnaceae
GenusSambucus
Speciescanadensis
Cultivar
TypeShrub
Botanical nameSambucus canadensis
Reproducible seedsYes
American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a generous native shrub known for its large clusters of fragrant white flowers, lush compound foliage, and dark purple berry clusters. Its summer bloom attracts many pollinators, while its decorative fruits extend seasonal interest into autumn. Its rapid growth, bushy habit, and excellent adaptation to Canadian climates make it an outstanding choice for natural hedges, edible landscapes, and ecological gardens that support biodiversity.
American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) prefers rich, moist to wet soils and locations ranging from full sun to partial shade. It performs especially well in shoreline plantings, woodland edges, and rain gardens where moisture remains consistent. Across Quebec and Canada, this hardy shrub requires little maintenance once established. Regular watering during the first years and spring compost applications encourage vigorous growth. Its root system also helps stabilize soils in natural landscapes.
American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) provides important ecological value by supporting bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Its flowers and berries have long been used in traditional preparations such as syrups, jellies, and preserves after proper processing. It combines naturally with serviceberry, black chokeberry, viburnums, and dogwoods to create biodiversity-rich hedgerows. This shrub brings together ornamental beauty, food value, and ecological importance in sustainable gardens.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
5 mm
Spacing / density
1.5 to 2 m (5 to 6.5 ft)
Germination temperature
20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F)
Germination time
15 to 20 days after dormancy is broken; seed preparation may take several months
Sowing period
Fall or spring after scarification and stratification
Propagation
Seeds after stratification or stem cuttings.
Cold stratification
Yes
Seed scarification
Yes
Growing method
Sow seeds in fall or spring after cold stratification to break dormancy. Place them in rich, moist soil, then maintain constant humidity until germination. Plant young plants in sun or partial shade in rich, fresh to moist soil.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-40 °C (-40 °F)
Care level
Low
Watering
Regular
Soil type
Loamy to clay, moist soil
Fertilization
Spring compost
Moisture
Moderate to high; prefers moist to wet soil
Seasonal care
Maintain moisture, remove dead branches, and lightly prune as needed.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)
Growing Canada elderberry in a pot is possible in a very large, deep container filled with potting soil rich in organic matter. Keep the substrate consistently moist and place the pot in sun or partial shade. Regular watering is important during hot periods. As this shrub grows quite large, provide sufficient space and prune it as needed to control its growth.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
3 m
Width / spread
3 m
Flower color
White
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Upright, rounded and suckering shrub
Fragrance
Lightly fragrant flowers
Bloom period
June
Fruiting
Dark purple berries in clusters
Days to maturity
First fruiting generally after 2 to 3 years
Harvest
August to September
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Serviceberry, black chokeberry, nannyberry, red-osier dogwood
Plants to avoid
Lavender, santolina, rockrose, yucca
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Flowers and fully ripe berries after proper cooking; do not consume leaves, stems or unripe fruit
Canada elderberry is ideal for an edible garden or ecological hedge. Its flowers can be made into cordial or fritters, while fully ripe berries should be cooked before being used in jellies, preserves, syrups and sauces. Never use the leaves, stems or unripe fruit.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should American Elderberry be sown?
Sow American elderberry outdoors in the fall, or in spring after cold, moist stratification of the seeds.
Are elderberries edible?
Yes. Ripe berries can be eaten after cooking or processing. Avoid eating green berries and other parts of the plant.
What soil suits American Elderberry?
Canadian elderberry prefers rich, cool to moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates different types of soil as long as they retain sufficient moisture.
Does it attract pollinators?
Yes. Its large flowers attract bees and several other pollinating insects.
Is it good for biodiversity?
Yes. Canadian elderberry is excellent for biodiversity: its flowers feed pollinators and its fruit provides a food source for several birds.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Attracts birds
Yes
Native plant
Yes
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Yes
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The right extras.Right here.
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