Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001314
11/12/99
Sambucus canadensis--Elderberry
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Height: 10 ft Spread: 10 ft Form: rounded
Type: deciduous shrub
Annual Growth Rate: more than 18 inches
Flowers: white
Fruit: black
Comments: Elderberry grows best in a sunny, open location
and in a rich, moist soil. Elderberry grows rapidly,
tolerates shade and is useful near water. The white
flowers are produced in early summer in large, flat-topped
clusters. The edible, purplish-black fruits, borne in
late summer, are attractive to birds.
Cultivars:
'Adams' - A selection that is used in wildlife
plantings and where the fruit are desired for
culinary uses.
'Aurea' - A rounded plant (Vis. 1) with yellow foliage
(Vis. 2) and red fruits.
'Goldfinch' - The leaves are both cut and yellow. S.
racemosa.
'Laciniata' - A cultivar with lacy, cutleaves.
'Maxima' - A vigorous cultivar with larger flowers and
leaves than the species. The flower stalks are
purple.
'York' - This cultivar is about 12 feet tall and wide
with good fruit production. The fruit matures later
than those of 'Adams' but fruit set is better when
more than one cultivar is grown.
References for Cultivars: Bailey Nurseries 1999, Sheridan
Nurseries 1999, Weston Nurseries 1999, Spring Meadow
Nursery 1999.
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to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
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a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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