Name                              Common Elderberry
Scientific Name             Sambucus canadensis
Wildlife Value                   Good
Average height                9’
Origin                              Native
Shade Tolerance             Moderate
Drought Tolerance           Fair
Growth Rate                    Rapid
Fruit                                 Only the purplish-black berries are edible
Special Characteristics    Berries high in vitamin C
Seedling Size                   12” to 18”
 
General Description:
Common elderberry is quite versatile used as dyes, tools and instruments. The edible berries can be used for wine, jellies, pies, candy and sauces. Elderberry produces a good seed crop nearly every year. It can reach full size in 3-4 years. It is considered to be short-lived.   
 
Pests:
Elder shoot borer, cecropia moth, certain species of aphids.
 
Uses:
It is useful ground cover for stabilizing streambanks and eroding sites. It provides food, cover, perching, and nesting for birds and other wildlife.