Sambucus canadensis (American Elder)

American Elder is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard.

American Elder features showy clusters of lightly-scented creamy white flowers held atop the branches in early summer. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The compound leaves turn yellow in fall. The deep purple fruits are held in clusters in early fall.

American Elder will grow to be about 10 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.