Are you a multi-tasker? If so, you’ll appreciate all the jobs the American Black Elderberry can do in your garden. Planting a rain garden? American Black Elderberry loves low and wet locations. Hoping to attract more birds and wildlife to your yard? American Black Elderberry blooms with tiny, white clusters of flowers in June beloved by tiny, winged insect friends that give way to black fruits in the late summer beloved by bigger, winged bird friends. Are you a baker? The fruits are used to make jams, jellies, pie fillings and elderberry wine. Plus, the cultivar 'Adams' produces more, extra large berries that many other elderberries. Cheers to this hard-working shrub that has a little something for everyone!
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; medium to wet, well-drained soils
Size: 8' - 10’ tall, 5’ - 10’ spread
Zone: 3 - 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract small bees and flies; fruits provide high-quality food for birds and small mammals; stem-nesting bees utilize dead stems
Photo: David Korbonits