Description
Height: 6′ – 12′ tall
Sun requirements: Full to partial
Soil: Medium to moist
American elderberry is often found in floodplains, moist woods, and meadows. Not surprisingly, it tolerates wet soils, but can also do well in many garden conditions. This graceful, spreading shrub has compound leaves on its arching stems. Its pithy stems are favored by some stem-nesting bees. Flowers borne in lacey white umbels in early summer give way to abundant dark fruits that are attractive to many birds. Elderberry tolerates black walnuts, acidic or alkaline soils, and while it does best in moist conditions it can also tolerate some dryness.
Pickup for woody plants will be at UW Arboretum the week of May 11, 2026.
Photo credit: Johnson’s Nursery
