Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (S. canadensis)

common elderberry, American elder

Photograph(s) by*: USFWS, RS MNPS

Characteristics

Height: 6-12'
Spread: 6-12'
Flowers: Jun.-Jul.; white
Fruit: Aug.-Sept.; purple to black; berry
Fall color: yellow green

Conditions *

Light:
Moisture: Dry Moist Wet
Soil pH: 6.1-7.5
Soil type: Clay Loamy Sandy Organic

Habitat

fresh tidal and nontidal marshes, swamps, wet meadows, moist woods, old fields

Native to

Region: Coastal Piedmont Mountain *
States: MD DE VA WV PA NY

Wildlife

*
high wildlife value

Notes

berries eaten by 48 species of birds

 Publication by USFWS BayScapes Conservation Landscaping Program
http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/plant/1317.htm
Last updated: 1 October 2004