Toxic Plant Known to be toxic - Toxic to mammals if ingested.
Image of Sambucus canadensis
Source: Kenraiz
image of Shrub
Sambucus canadensis
Common Elderberry
Sureau blanc

Obsolete Names

American black elderberry
American elder
Canada elderberry
white elder
sirop blanc
sureau du Canada
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: White Bloom period: Jun - Jul
Max Height: 12.0 feet
Max Width: 12.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
rain garden Suitable for rain gardens
shoreline_rehab Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
hedge Can be used as a hedge
Ecological Benefits:
Hummingbird friendly Supports hummingbirds
Bird friendly Supports birds
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
Tolerates:
Salt Tolerant Tolerates salt conditions
Deer Resistant Deer resistant
rabbit resistant Rabbit resistant
juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Sambucus canadensis
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent
View taxonomy on Canadensys

View on iNaturalist

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Boreal Shield
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Sambucus canadensis

  • Melanchra adjuncta (Hitched Arches)
  • Xestia smithii (Smith's Dart)

Specialized Bees Supported by Sambucus canadensis

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Sorbaria sorbifolia (False spirea)
  • Hydrangea (Hydrangea)
  • Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)
  • Astilbe (Astilbe)
  • Melilotus albus) (Sweet White Clover)

Sowing Information

Download Sowing Label (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by November
  • Stratification duration: 180 days
  • Self-seeding
  • Notes: Soak 24h, warm moist stratify 60d, then cold moist stratify 120d, but best planted outdoors in fall.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: August
  • Harvesting indicator: Berries are ripen and easily fall off or have fallen off
  • Harvesting mean: Squeeze berries to extract seeds, wash with soapy water, rinse throroughly
  • Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: Six (6) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • At least one cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Toxic to mammals if ingested.