Size: 18-24”
Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
The Black Elderberry is a Michigan native shrub known for its showy white flower clusters in late spring and its abundant, deep purple-to-black berries in late summer. It’s fast-growing, great for wildlife, and can be used in edible landscapes, pollinator gardens, or naturalized plantings along streams, rain gardens, and hedgerows.
Requirements:
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best fruit in full sun)
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
Key Features
Blooms: Late spring
Mature Size: 7 feet tall (can be kept smaller with pruning)
Wildlife Value: Flowers support bees and butterflies; fruit attracts birds, squirrels, and other wildlife
Edible Fruit: cooked berries make excellent jams, syrups, cordials, and pies; flowers are also used for tea and fritters. Check out this fried fritter recipe.
Plant Care:
Plant two different cultivars nearby for better yields. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment and fruiting. Prune out older canes every few years to encourage new growth. Avoid planting under power lines.
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale. Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 10, 2026 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9AM to 11AM
Size: 18-24”
Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
The Black Elderberry is a Michigan native shrub known for its showy white flower clusters in late spring and its abundant, deep purple-to-black berries in late summer. It’s fast-growing, great for wildlife, and can be used in edible landscapes, pollinator gardens, or naturalized plantings along streams, rain gardens, and hedgerows.
Requirements:
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best fruit in full sun)
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained
Key Features
Blooms: Late spring
Mature Size: 7 feet tall (can be kept smaller with pruning)
Wildlife Value: Flowers support bees and butterflies; fruit attracts birds, squirrels, and other wildlife
Edible Fruit: cooked berries make excellent jams, syrups, cordials, and pies; flowers are also used for tea and fritters. Check out this fried fritter recipe.
Plant Care:
Plant two different cultivars nearby for better yields. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment and fruiting. Prune out older canes every few years to encourage new growth. Avoid planting under power lines.
*A mature height of less than 15 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Tall growing trees should be planted a minimum of 20 feet away from power lines, and 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.
*This plant will be packaged as "bare root". Bare root plants have no soil around their roots. Bare root trees, shrubs, and perennials must be planted as soon as possible before growth begins. Find care and planting instructions here: https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm
Item only available in bundles
Available through the Spring Tree Sale. Pick up from Kardel Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 10, 2026 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 9AM to 11AM
