Sambucus canadensis Common names include Elderberry, Common Elderberry, Black Elder, Mexican Elderberry, Common Elder, American Elder, Tapiro, and Sauco. A deciduous, somewhat sprawling, suckering shrub that typically grows to 5-12’ tall. It typically occurs on streambanks, moist woodlands, thickets, fence rows and roadsides. Tiny lemon-scented white flowers appear in large flat-topped clusters in June that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Flowers give way to clusters of black elderberry fruits (drupes) in late summer. Fruits of species plants are sometimes used to make jams, jellies, pie filings and elderberry wine. Fruits are attractive to wildlife, and the leaves and twigs are often used by Native bees to construct their nests. A word of warning: unripe berries can be mildly toxic if ingested by humans. Grow in medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Part shade preferred in Texas. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers moist, humusy ones. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies. Prune suckers as they appear unless naturalizing. A large number of late winter or early spring pruning options include (a) pruning out dead or weakened stems, (b) shortening one year stems or (c) cutting back to the ground to rejuvenate. Some horticulturists recommend a hard spring pruning for maintaining best foliage and habit. Height: 5'-12'Spread: 5'-12'Bloom: June-JulyLight: Part ShadeWater: Medium-HighZone: 3-9Origin: Texas, North, Central & South America to Bolivia
