American elder (Sambucus canadensis)

Also known as: American black elderberry

The American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a native North American deciduous shrub known for its clusters of small white flowers and dark berries. The berries, when cooked, can be used in various culinary applications like jams, jellies, syrups, and pies. Additionally, both the flowers and berries can be used to make wine.

Ecologically, the shrub's dense foliage and arching branches create an ideal habitat for birds, offering both food and nesting sites. The berries are particularly attractive to birds and other wildlife, making the shrub an important part of the ecosystem.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of American elder

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Height

3 m

Spread

1.5 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 mm to 6 mm

Flower Color

White

Images of American elder

Quickly Identify American elder

Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or tree, 5-12 feet (1.5-3.6 meters) tall, wider than tall.

Pinnately compound bright green leaves with 5-11 leaflets, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long.

Fragrant creamy-white flowers in 4-10 inch (10-25 cm) clusters with showy white bracts.

Purple-black 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) drupes clustered in nodding clusters, harvested for culinary uses.

Distinctive yellowish-gray to grayish-brown bark with scattered white pith and lenticels for gas exchange.

Scientific Classification of American elder

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Dipsacales

Family

Moschatel

Genus

Sambucus

Species

American elder

Planting and Growing of American elder

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-8

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water American elder?

When watering Sambucus canadensis, ensure the soil receives approximately 1000 ml of water, allowing it to penetrate deeply until the top 5-10 cm of soil is moist. This promotes strong root growth and ensures the plant absorbs sufficient moisture.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered American elder? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for American elder?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 8 hours

The ideal light condition for Sambucus canadensis is partial to full sun. Adequate sunlight encourages healthy greenery and profuse flowering, which enhances both its ecological and ornamental value.

How much sunlight does Sambucus canadensis need? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for American elder?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Sambucus canadensis is between 60°F to 75°F. This range promotes optimal growth and flowering, as it supports active metabolic processes while ensuring that the plant does not become stressed by excessive heat or cold.

What Soil is Best for American elder?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 8

The soil must have good moisture retention to support Sambucus canadensis' high water needs. This helps the plant maintain lush foliage and produce abundant flowers and berries. Sambucus canadensis thrives in nutrient-rich soils, providing essential minerals that foster robust growth and enhance the plant's immune system against pests. Ensuring the soil is well-drained is crucial to prevent root rot and promote healthy root development, allowing the plant to establish a strong foundation.

How to Fertilize American elder?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Sambucus canadensis, the ideal fertilizer amount is moderate, ensuring that the soil is enriched without overwhelming the plant. Generally, apply about 1 to 2 pounds of a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area. This ensures the plant receives adequate nutrition to support healthy growth and fruit production.

How to Prune American elder?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin your pruning process by identifying and removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. This not only improves the plant's appearance but also prevents the spread of disease. After clearing out dead wood, step back to shape the plant. Focus on creating an open structure that allows air and light to penetrate to the center. This prevents mildew and encourages strong growth. Prune about one-third of the older stems each season. Cutting them back to the base encourages vigorous new shoots, which will produce larger flowers and berries. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate American elder plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring, Early spring

Prepare a well-draining soil mix, ideally a blend of peat moss, perlite, and sand. This mix will ensure adequate drainage and aeration for the young plants.

Select a healthy branch from the parent plant and cut a segment about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves to reduce water loss and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root development.

Sow seeds in the prepared seed trays, lightly covering with soil. Water gently to moisten the soil and place in a warm, light environment, ideally around 70°F for optimal germination.

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How to Repot American elder plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Look for signs such as roots sprouting from the drainage holes, stunted growth, or the soil drying out too quickly, indicating that it's time to repot your Sambucus canadensis. These signals are crucial as they suggest the plant has outgrown its current pot.

Opt for a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one, preferably made from breathable materials like ceramic or terracotta. These materials facilitate optimal root aeration and water evaporation, both of which are beneficial for the plant's health.

Use a soil mix that is rich in organic matter and offers excellent drainage properties. A well-draining mix prevents waterlogging and provides a balanced nutrient environment supporting the healthy growth of Sambucus canadensis.

Toxicity of American elder

Is American elder toxic to humans?

The roots, stems, leaves, seeds, and unripe berries of the American elder can pose significant toxicity risks to humans if ingested. Each of these plant parts contains dangerous alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides, which can lead to severe health issues in individuals. Symptoms resulting from American elder poisoning encompass nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe instances, may result in difficulty breathing, organ failure, coma, or even death. Although the ripe berries of the American elder are harvested for culinary delights – being transformed into jams, jellies, pies, and wines, among other products – it is essential to exercise caution by thoroughly cooking the fruit and ensuring that all seeds are removed.

Is American elder toxic to cat?

American elder poses a toxicity risk to cats and can lead to poisoning if accidentally ingested, especially the seeds which contain harmful components. If a cat eats American elder, it may show symptoms of distress or illness. Therefore, it is crucial for cat owners to restrict access to this plant and keep a close watch on their pets. Should ingestion be suspected, it is essential to seek immediate veterinary assistance to guarantee timely and suitable treatment is provided.

Is American elder toxic to dog?

American elder is a plant that poses a significant toxicity risk to dogs. When dogs ingest this plant, particularly its seeds, they can become poisoned. This often happens accidentally when dogs wander into areas where American elder grows or when parts of the plant are within their reach. Following the ingestion of toxic components of American elder, dogs may display various symptoms that are indicative of poisoning. Therefore, it is crucial for dog owners to watch over their pets and prevent any access to American elder to avoid accidental ingestion. If a dog does consume any part of American elder, especially the seeds, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary assistance, as prompt treatment is essential for the health and well-being of the affected animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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