Common Name

American Elderberry

Scientific Name

Sambucus canadensis

American elderberry is a loose, graceful, deciduous shrub with pinnately-compound leaves. The flowers are white, in broad, flat, conspicuous clusters up to 10 inches or more in diameter, appearing from May to July. The fruit appears as clusters of dark purple or black berries in the fall.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Viburnaceae
Genus: Sambucus
Species: Sambucus canadensis

Habitat

Forest, Grassland, Wetland, Urban

Distribution

Native to a large area of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, south throughout the mainland Americas to Bolivia.

Seasonality

Spring

Abundance

Abundant

Activity Time

Diurnal

Diet

Behavior

Ecological Role

Berries are eaten by birds and mammals, the flowers are loved by bees and butterflies

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threats & Impacts

Notes

Elderberries, inedible when fresh and raw, are used for making jelly, preserves, pies, and wine. The flower, elderflower, can be made into elderflower cordial.