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.