5 Bare Root American Elderberry Plants Sambucus canadensis 12 Inch Tall Live Plants

American Elderberry is a native deciduous shrub known for its graceful, fern-like green foliage and large, flat clusters of tiny white flowers that appear in early summer. These 12 inch tall bare root plants establish readily and grow into multi-stemmed shrubs that bring a natural, woodland feel to gardens, hedgerows, and wildlife plantings.

Elderberry fits beautifully into mixed borders, native plant gardens, and rain gardens, where its blooms and later dark berries add seasonal interest across the growing season. The clusters of flowers are followed by small dark fruits that are traditionally used in jams, jellies, pies, and syrups after proper cooking. Plants spread by suckers over time, forming attractive thickets, so give them room to naturalize or plan for regular division. For best berry production, plant more than one variety nearby to support cross-pollination.

Species: Sambucus canadensis
Variety: American Elderberry
Type: Deciduous shrub
Plant_Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed, spreading by suckers
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, adaptable to loam or clay
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 3 to 9
Germination: Not applicable
Sowing: Not applicable
Spacing: 6 to 10 feet apart
Notes: Bare root plants ship dormant; soak roots briefly before planting and keep soil consistently moist while establishing