Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), commonly called American black elderberry, is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub that grows in many conditions, including wet ones. However, in this case the soil must be well-drained. In the wild, it often grows along streambanks and moist woodlands.
It is a great tree to plant along the border of your yard or to mix in with other growth.
Maintenance: Elderberries benefit from you pruning their branches. You can prune it all the way down to 6 inches off the ground in late winter. Or, you can just prune off the dead and weakened stems.
Small, white flowers appear in June. Some people say they smell like lemons. Berries appear in late summer; birds love the berries and in Missouri, you’ll see Robins or Bluejays eating them.
Height range: 5-12 feet
Spread range: 5-12 feet
Bloom Time and Color: June-July with pink blooms; blackish berries form in late summer
Ideal soil type: Tolerates many soil types, including clay
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Wildlife Benefits: Attracts birds and butterflies; birds will eat the berries.
source: Missouri Botanical Garden
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2024 Tree Requests:
- These trees are only for residents in Boulevard Heights, Carondelet, Holly Hills, and the Patch Neighborhoods.
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