Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
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Description
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a deciduous shrub native to North America, thriving in moist, well-drained soils. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, elderberry plays a crucial role as a mid-story shrub in food forests, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects. It is often used in guilds with nitrogen-fixing plants like clover and dynamic accumulators such as comfrey to enhance soil fertility. Historically, elderberry has been used by Indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties and as a food source. Its dense growth makes it an excellent windbreak, and it contributes to biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other beneficial organisms.
Growing Details
Elderberry thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Prepare soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Mulch with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and comfrey for nutrient accumulation. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Harvest berries when they are fully ripe, typically in late summer. Store harvested berries in a cool, dry place
Edible Parts
Fruit
Flowers
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Scented Plant
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Meadow
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Colouring
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Sambucus canadensis</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to North America
applicable geo region: North America
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of Jun for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of August for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: Elderberries are used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and wines. The flowers can be made into elderflower cordial or tea. Both the berries and flowers are rich in vitamins A and C, and the berries are best harvested when fully ripe to avoid toxicity.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Elderberry is traditionally used to support immune health, particularly in reducing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. The berries and flowers contain antioxidants and vitamins with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Elderberry syrup is a popular preparation for medicinal use.
health concerns: Raw berries, leaves, and other parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Cooking the berries neutralizes these compounds, making them safe for consumption.
other uses: Elderberry can be used for natural dye production, and its dense foliage is effective for erosion control. The wood is sometimes used for crafting small items.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Sambucus canadensis
common names: American Elder; Common Elder; Elderberry
family: Adoxaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Sambucus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.5 m
spacing: 2.5 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / -15ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender:
hardness:
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(5/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 20 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Fast
max height: 4.0 m
max width: 4.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Elderberry thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Prepare soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Mulch with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and comfrey for nutrient accumulation. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Harvest berries when they are fully ripe, typically in late summer. Store harvested berries in a cool, dry place
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and elder shoot borers. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help repel spider mites. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray to deter pests.
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