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Browse Plants

Narrowed By:Type: Shrubs+ Moisture: Medium to Wet+ Botanical Name: S - U
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 listings   Sort By: Sort
Sambucus canadensis Sambucus canadensis
(American elder, Elderberry) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

A familiar native shrub, American elderberry is commonly seen along streambanks and roadsides and in moist woodlands and thickets throughout eastern North America. It has pinnate leaves with toothed leaflets and small white flowers borne in large flattened clusters in summer. Purple-black, round fruit comes next, attracting wildlife to the garden. Elderberries typically grow to about 12 feet high, but they tolerate pruning to a smaller size. Fruit is edible when cooked.
Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' Sambucus nigra 'Gerda'
(Black Beauty™ elderberry) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Valued for its flowers, foliage, and fruit, Black Beauty™ elderberry is a deciduous shrub that requires regular watering during its first few yearsbut will become more drought tolerant as it becomes established. Areas with moist soil are ideal. Black Beauty™ will grow 8 feet tall if left unpruned, but fairly severe pruning in the first year will keep the plant from looking leggy. Pruning will sacrifice the large pink flowers, but the plant will be much sturdier and have a better habit if you do. The flowers, which bloom in June, are large and have a lemony scent. The foliage is dark and finely cut. Elderberries are edible and can be used to make juice or jelly, if the birds don't get there first. -Teresa Smith, Regional Picks: Northeast, Fine Gardening issue #120

Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 listings   Sort By: Sort