50 Seeds American Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Hardy Shrub Wildlife Garden

American Elderberry is a hardy native deciduous shrub grown for its large flat clusters of tiny white flowers in summer and its dark purple-black berries in late summer to early fall. It is a vigorous, adaptable plant that naturalizes well in moist meadows, hedgerows, and along pond edges, and its blooms and fruit are highly attractive to birds and pollinators.

The flowers and ripe berries are traditionally used in jams, jellies, pies, syrups, and wine, while the shrub itself works well in native plantings, wildlife gardens, and naturalized borders. It spreads by suckers to form loose colonies and produces the best fruit when planted near a second variety for cross-pollination. Berries should be fully ripe and cooked before use. This listing is for seeds only.
Species: Sambucus canadensis
Type: Deciduous shrub
Plant_Habit: Upright, suckering, colony-forming
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, adaptable to wet sites
Zones: 3-9
Germination: Cold stratification recommended; may be slow and irregular
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly press into soil, keep moist
Spacing: 6-10 feet apart
Notes: Plant two or more varieties for best fruit set