I American elderberry is a beautiful deciduous shrub with excellent wildlife value. Its berries attract a wide range of bird species, and it also hosts a number of native moth and butterfly species. American elderberry typically grows from 5 to 12 feet tall, tolerates flooding, and transplants well. It is slow-growing in shade but fast growing in full sunlight.

Key characteristics:

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Compound, opposite leaves. Serrated, 2-6 inches long.

Yellowish gray stems, covered in lenticels.

Flowers in clusters from May to July.

Fruit clusters mature in September and are edible.

American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

American elderberry makes a great alternative to European cranberry (Viburnum opulus), a non-native plant that has become invasive in some areas.

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scarlet tanager yellow warbler

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I I I Steven J. Baskauf

Steven J. Baskauf

Hoffman Family Foundation

H. Zell

Walter Siegmund US Fish and Wildlife Service MDF

Jan Mehlich

spring azureDendroica petechiaPiranga olivaceaCelastrina ladon

Willow

H: 5’-12’, W: 5’-12’