When does Canadian Elder bloom?

Sambucus canadensis typically blooms in June and July, producing flat-topped clusters of small white flowers.

What pollinators visit Canadian Elder?

Canadian Elder attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles to its summer flower clusters.

Where is Sambucus canadensis native?

Canadian Elder is native to most US states from coast to coast, ranging from Maine to Florida in the east and from Montana to California in the west.

What growing conditions does Canadian Elder prefer?

This adaptable shrub tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and grows well in various moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.

Is Canadian Elder toxic to cats?

Yes. Canadian Elder is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Canadian Elder HOA-friendly?

Canadian Elder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Canadian Elder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sambucus canadensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sambucus canadensis is a native deciduous shrub found across most US states that produces clusters of white flowers in June and July, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Canadian Elder (Sambucus canadensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–120" H × 72"–120" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 38 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

Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Canadian elder is a large native shrub that produces showy clusters of creamy white flowers in early summer, followed by dark purple berries. This fast-growing plant forms a substantial presence in the landscape and can spread through root suckers to create colonies.

Growing Canadian Elder

Grow Canadian Elder in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 120 inches tall and spread 72 to 120 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Canadian Elder takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very large mature size may overwhelm typical residential spaces
Spreads aggressively through suckers
Can appear scraggly without regular pruning

Wildlife value

Host plant for cecropia moth, elder shoot borer moth.

The fragrant flower clusters attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during bloom time. Birds eagerly consume the nutritious berries in late summer and fall.

Common questions

When does Canadian Elder bloom?: Sambucus canadensis typically blooms in June and July, producing flat-topped clusters of small white flowers.
What pollinators visit Canadian Elder?: Canadian Elder attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles to its summer flower clusters.
Where is Sambucus canadensis native?: Canadian Elder is native to most US states from coast to coast, ranging from Maine to Florida in the east and from Montana to California in the west.
What growing conditions does Canadian Elder prefer?: This adaptable shrub tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and grows well in various moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.
Is Canadian Elder toxic to cats?: Yes. Canadian Elder is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Canadian Elder HOA-friendly?: Canadian Elder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz