When does Common Elderberry bloom?

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) blooms from June through August, producing large flat-topped clusters of small white flowers.

What pollinators visit Common Elderberry?

Common Elderberry attracts a diverse range of pollinators including butterflies, bees, and various nectar-feeding insects drawn to its abundant white flower clusters.

What growing conditions does Common Elderberry prefer?

Common Elderberry grows best in partial sun to partial shade with medium to high moisture levels. It tolerates a range of light conditions but performs optimally with some protection from intense afternoon sun.

Is American elderberry toxic to livestock?

American elderberry is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is American elderberry HOA-friendly?

American elderberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

American elderberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis is a native deciduous shrub producing clusters of white flowers from June through August. This elderberry thrives in partial sun with medium moisture and attracts butterflies, bees, and other nectar-seeking insects.

American elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) — Photo: Kenneth M. Gale, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

American elderberry is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–144" H × 72"–144" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

TX, OK, LA, AR and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland Prairies South Central Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Erie Drift Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

A large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with compound leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white flowers in early summer, followed by clusters of small dark purple berries. Spreads by root suckers to form loose thickets over time.

In an HOA neighborhood

American elderberry is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.

can sucker and spread to form thickets over time
fallen berries may stain hardscape near walkways or patios
mature size is best sited away from the foundation

Wildlife value

Host plant for cecropia moth, elder shoot borer moth.

Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, while the berries are an important late-summer food source for birds and other wildlife, and the foliage hosts several moth species.

Common questions

When does Common Elderberry bloom?: Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) blooms from June through August, producing large flat-topped clusters of small white flowers.
What pollinators visit Common Elderberry?: Common Elderberry attracts a diverse range of pollinators including butterflies, bees, and various nectar-feeding insects drawn to its abundant white flower clusters.
What growing conditions does Common Elderberry prefer?: Common Elderberry grows best in partial sun to partial shade with medium to high moisture levels. It tolerates a range of light conditions but performs optimally with some protection from intense afternoon sun.
Is American elderberry toxic to livestock?: American elderberry is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
Is American elderberry HOA-friendly?: American elderberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American elderberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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