Sambucus Nigra - Black Elderberry (5 Gallon)

About this item

Add beauty, wildlife value, and fast-growing greenery to your garden with Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). This vigorous, deciduous shrub or small tree is easy to grow and valued for its lush foliage, showy summer flowers, and clusters of dark purple to nearly black berries that appear in late autumn.

In summer, abundant, broad clusters of creamy-white to pale yellow flowers brighten the branches and attract beneficial insects. As the season progresses, these blooms develop into drooping clusters of dark berries that provide an important food source for fruit-eating birds and other wildlife.

Native to western North America, from Oregon south to Baja California and east to western Texas, this adaptable plant is a wonderful choice for naturalistic gardens, wildlife habitats, and informal landscapes.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra
• Common Name: Black Elderberry
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
• Native Range: Western North America, from Oregon to Baja California and western Texas
• Growth Rate: Fast growing
• Mature Size: Can reach approximately 15 feet or more under favorable growing conditions
• Flowers: Broad, flat clusters of creamy-white to pale yellow blossoms
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Fruit: Drooping clusters of dark purple to black berries in late summer through autumn
• Wildlife Value: Berries provide food for fruit-eating birds and other wildlife
• Plant Family: Adoxaceae

Growing & Care Guide

Sunlight: Grows well in a sunny to partially shaded location. Adequate sunlight encourages vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

Soil: Adaptable to a range of garden soils. For best results, plant in reasonably fertile soil with good drainage.

Water: Appreciates regular watering, particularly during establishment and periods of active growth. Once established, it can tolerate some summer drought, although occasional deep watering helps maintain healthy growth in dry conditions.

Pruning: Prune to encourage branching, maintain a balanced shape, and prevent the plant from becoming overly loose or rangy. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed and shape the plant during its dormant season.

Growth Tip: Black elderberry is exceptionally vigorous. A young plant started in a one-gallon container may reach approximately 15 feet within three years under favorable growing conditions, so allow plenty of room for its mature size.

Landscape & Wildlife Uses

Black elderberry is a versatile addition to gardens designed to support local wildlife while providing seasonal interest.

• Wildlife Gardens: Produces berries that feed fruit-eating birds.
• Naturalistic Landscapes: Its vigorous growth creates a lush, informal appearance.
• Habitat Plantings: Provides seasonal flowers and fruit for wildlife.
• Garden Screening: Can develop into a substantial shrub or small tree.
• Native Plant Gardens: A valuable option for suitable western North American landscapes.

A Rewarding Plant for Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

With its rapid growth, abundant summer blooms, and autumn berries, Black Elderberry offers multiple seasons of interest and ecological value. Give it room to grow, provide regular water while it establishes, and prune occasionally to maintain a strong, attractive form.

A wonderful choice for gardeners looking to create a lush, wildlife-friendly landscape with a fast-growing shrub or small tree.

Please note: Raw elderberry parts, including unripe berries, leaves, stems, and seeds, can contain compounds that cause illness if ingested. Proper identification and preparation are important; do not eat raw berries.