Common Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Shrub Coming Soon
Common Elderberry is a Virginia native local-ecotype shrub that typically reaches 6–12 ft and blooms in mid spring, late spring, early summer, mid summer, and late summer with white flowers. It offers valuable nectar and pollen, food or habitat for birds, and important larval-host relationships.
About This Plant
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil Moisture
- Medium, Medium to Wet, Wet
- Height
- 6–12 ft
- Spread
- 6–12 ft
- Bloom Time
- Early Summer, Late Spring, Late Summer, Mid Spring, Mid Summer
- Bloom Color
- White
- Garden Goals
- Feed Birds, Help Native Bees, Host Caterpillars, Long Bloom Season, Support Pollinators
- Garden Uses
- Bird garden; edible native garden; rain garden edge; wildlife hedge
- Wildlife Value
- Host for Cecropia, Polyphemus, Imperial moth, White-lined Sphinx and others
Common Elderberry grows best in full sun or part shade with medium, medium to wet, or wet soil. At maturity, it is typically 6–12 ft tall and 6–12 ft wide. Its flowers, foliage, seeds, or fruit help support butterflies, native bees, and birds. Notable wildlife value includes: Host for Cecropia, Polyphemus, Imperial moth, White-lined Sphinx and others. It is well suited to Bird garden, edible native garden, rain garden edge, wildlife hedge.
Good to know: Large flower clusters followed by purple-black berries.