Learn More
Get Involved
American Elderberry

American Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Forest, Grassland, Wetland, Urban
Active Seasons: Spring

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

Scientific Name

Sambucus canadensis
Plant Type
Shrub
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering Season
May-June

Ecological Role

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

Active Seasons

Spring

Habitat Types

Forest
Grassland
Wetland
Urban

Geographic Distribution

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

Local Abundance

Abundant

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional 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.

Contribute Your Observations

Have you spotted this species? Your observations help us track populations and understand behavior patterns.

Submit an Observation

Gallery