The plants are beautiful and delivery happened so quickly. Will order from them again.
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American Elder
American Elder
$46.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Quantity
Low stock: 2 left
Sambucus canadensis
Choose American Elder for a damp back edge, wildlife area, or edible landscape where you want flowers and berries. The tradeoff is size and suckering, so do not use it as a tight foundation shrub.
Buy This If
- You have room for suckering growth.
- You want flowers followed by berries.
- You need a tough native shrub.
Skip This If
- You need a tidy winter look.
- You dislike spreading stems.
- You need strong deer resistance.
PGNE Report Card
| Category | Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Impact | B | It gives a strong natural look in season, but the winter structure is coarse. |
| Growth Rate | A- | It grows quickly once settled and can fill open space faster than many shrubs. |
| Maintenance | C+ | It is tough, but suckers and older stems need periodic cutting to keep it controlled. |
| Deer Resistance | C | This isn't deer-resistant; deer may browse it, especially tender new growth, so protect it where deer pressure is heavy. |
| Small Space Fit | D | Its spreading habit makes it a poor fit for tight beds and neat foundation plantings. |
| Screening Value | B- | It can make a leafy seasonal screen, but it is open and bare in winter. |
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend American Elder for the back of a property, pond edge, or rougher native border—not beside the front walk. Plan to manage suckers rather than fight them later.
Plant Facts
| Mature Height | 5 to 12 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 5 to 12 ft |
| Hardiness Zones | 3a-9b |
| Spacing | up to 12 ft |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Moisture | Medium to wet |
| Growth Habit | Deciduous, somewhat sprawling, suckering shrub |
Customers Usually Ask
Are the berries edible?
Ripe elderberries are commonly used cooked, but do not eat unripe berries, leaves, stems, or roots.
Will one plant make berries?
It may, but planting more than one usually gives a better crop.
Can I keep it small?
You can cut it back, but it is not a naturally compact shrub.
Why buy for fall color
- See the actual color before you buy it
- Foliage, berries and late bloom — all three seasons of interest
- Fall planting means roots established before winter
Shrubs Grown to Perform in New England
At Pro Growers of New England, our shrubs are grown and maintained locally to perform in true New England conditions. From flowering varieties to evergreen foundation plants, each shrub is properly spaced, pruned, and cared for to develop strong root systems and balanced structure before it ever reaches your landscape.
Unlike large online sellers that ship plants long distances, we invite you to visit our nursery, walk the rows, and inspect the exact shrubs available. You can see the size, health, and fullness in person — ensuring there are no surprises upon delivery.
Unlike large online sellers that ship plants long distances, we invite you to visit our nursery, walk the rows, and inspect the exact shrubs available. You can see the size, health, and fullness in person — ensuring there are no surprises upon delivery.
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
SKU:PGNE-31004
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