Elder
Sambucus nigra
Last reviewed: November 2026
Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a perennial shrub. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw bees, flies, and beetles.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Elder, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
Elder (Sambucus nigra) 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–240" H × 96"–180" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Pollinators
bees, flies, beetles
Native alternatives to Elder
Elder is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
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A large, fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree with flat-topped clusters of creamy white flowers in early summer, followed by dark purple-black berries. Prefers moist, fertile soil and benefits from regular pruning to keep its size in check.
Growing Elder
Grow Elder in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 96 to 180 inches wide.
How to care for Elder, by region
How to care for Elder where it is actually grown: year-round basics plus what to do each season, region by region, with the sources for each.
Care guidance last updated: November 2026
High Plains (includes Lubbock, TX)
Year-round
Black elderberry is a large deciduous shrub originally from Europe, grown here as a garden plant.
- It grows 10 to 20 feet tall and wide, so give it room.
- It does best in full sun with moist, fertile soil.
- Regular pruning keeps the size manageable.
Annual pruning keeps it tidy and in bounds.
Fall
Fall is when the leaves drop and berries finish.
- Keep watering until the ground freezes.
- Rake fallen leaves from the base.
- Cut off old fruit clusters if you do not want volunteers.
Raking leaves keeps the area tidy.
Winter
Winter is a rest period for this deciduous shrub.
- Water during long dry spells when the soil is not frozen.
- Do the main shaping prune on dormant stems in late winter.
- Leave mulch in place for root protection.
Bare stems can be pruned to a compact shape.
Spring
Spring is when new leaves and flower buds emerge.
- Water weekly if rain is light.
- Prune out dead or crossing stems before growth starts.
- Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
Early pruning keeps the shape neat.
Summer
Summer brings creamy flower clusters, then berries.
- Water deeply once or twice a week in hot, dry weather.
- Keep mulch in place to hold moisture.
- Trim back overly long shoots after flowering.
Light summer trimming keeps edges clean.
Sources: Wikipedia, Sambucus nigra (large deciduous shrub or small tree originally from Europe; creamy flower clusters in early summer; dark purple-black berries; prefers moist fertile soil) (community tip)
In an HOA neighborhood
Elder takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Wildlife value
Flowers draw bees, flies and beetles, and the berries are eaten by many songbirds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Elder need?
- Elder grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Elder bloom?
- Elder blooms in June and July.
- What pollinators does Elder attract?
- Elder draws bees, flies, and beetles.
- Is Elder HOA-friendly?
- Elder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Elder? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.