Black Elderberry
The Black Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, is native to Michigan and a large section of North America. This shrub is named after the berries that grow from its flowers during the summer months into fall. Its berries are a dark purple color, almost black, that are ornamental and attract wildlife like birds, and small mammals like foxes, mice, and squirrels. Its foliage will attract deer as well. The berries are also edible to humans when cooked down to jellies, jams, and juice.
Another attractive part of this shrub are the clusters of star-shaped, white flowers that bloom in spring and stay in bloom through summer. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The flowers are used by humans for tea. The rest of the shrub is made up of opposite, pinnate leaves that are a forest green.
Since the Black Elderberry is known to be found along streams and marshes, they prefer to be planted in moist soil with plenty of sunlight.
This shrub reaches a height of about 7 feet.
*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 Kardell Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 11, 2025 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 12, 2025 9AM to 11AM
Photo Credits:
Berry: H, Zell. NC State. Flower and Fruit
Flower: Franz Xavier. NC State. Flower and Leaves Close up
Plant: Jim Robbins. NC State. Full Form in Flower
The Black Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, is native to Michigan and a large section of North America. This shrub is named after the berries that grow from its flowers during the summer months into fall. Its berries are a dark purple color, almost black, that are ornamental and attract wildlife like birds, and small mammals like foxes, mice, and squirrels. Its foliage will attract deer as well. The berries are also edible to humans when cooked down to jellies, jams, and juice.
Another attractive part of this shrub are the clusters of star-shaped, white flowers that bloom in spring and stay in bloom through summer. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The flowers are used by humans for tea. The rest of the shrub is made up of opposite, pinnate leaves that are a forest green.
Since the Black Elderberry is known to be found along streams and marshes, they prefer to be planted in moist soil with plenty of sunlight.
This shrub reaches a height of about 7 feet.
*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 Kardell Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 11, 2025 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 12, 2025 9AM to 11AM
Photo Credits:
Berry: H, Zell. NC State. Flower and Fruit
Flower: Franz Xavier. NC State. Flower and Leaves Close up
Plant: Jim Robbins. NC State. Full Form in Flower
The Black Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, is native to Michigan and a large section of North America. This shrub is named after the berries that grow from its flowers during the summer months into fall. Its berries are a dark purple color, almost black, that are ornamental and attract wildlife like birds, and small mammals like foxes, mice, and squirrels. Its foliage will attract deer as well. The berries are also edible to humans when cooked down to jellies, jams, and juice.
Another attractive part of this shrub are the clusters of star-shaped, white flowers that bloom in spring and stay in bloom through summer. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The flowers are used by humans for tea. The rest of the shrub is made up of opposite, pinnate leaves that are a forest green.
Since the Black Elderberry is known to be found along streams and marshes, they prefer to be planted in moist soil with plenty of sunlight.
This shrub reaches a height of about 7 feet.
*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 Kardell Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds
Friday, April 11, 2025 9AM to 6PM
Saturday, April 12, 2025 9AM to 11AM
Photo Credits:
Berry: H, Zell. NC State. Flower and Fruit
Flower: Franz Xavier. NC State. Flower and Leaves Close up
Plant: Jim Robbins. NC State. Full Form in Flower