Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Native to: All of New England

Life cycle: Perennial Shrub

Light: Full/Partial Sun

Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet to Medium-Dry

Height: 5-10’
Spacing: 3-5’

Blooms: Spring
Bloom Color: White

Fruits: Summer
Fruit Color: Black, Purple

Natural Habitat: Wet meadows, hedgerows, and roadsides

Benefits: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Host Plant (eg. polyphemus and cecropia moths), Compaction Tolerant, Urban Environment, Salt Tolerant, Edible, Low Maintenance

“With wandering branches, broad corymbs of fluffy white flowers, and a beautiful late-season crop of dark berries, this shrub is as pleasing to wildlife as it is to humans. The fruit is edible, but should be cooked, dried, or fermented prior to consumption.”

– Native Plant Trust

“A dramatic native shrub with arching branches covered with large flat-topped clusters of white flowers in summer followed by deep purple fruit. Bees are attracted to the flowers and stems provide overwintering habitat for pollinators’ larvae. Birds and humans relish the fruits.”

– Wild Seed Project