This stoloniferous deciduous shrub has stout upright stems with a bushy crown and forms a spreading habit. It has light green leaves with lanced-shaped leaflets and the small wheel-shaped flowers appear in large sprays in midsummer followed by purplish fruit.

Hardiness zones 2 to 9 

Sambucus canadensis is naturally found in the cold regions of south-east Canada to eastern USA growing in thickets or woodlands. It tolerates most moderately fertile well drained soils in a sunny to partly shaded positions and is drought tender but frost tolerant. 

American Elder is a vigorous shrub that is grown for its flowers and foliage. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or along shrub borders for screening and is excellent for cold climate coastal or cool mountain regions. It establishes in 3 to 5 years. ID 1756

Sambucus (săm-BEW-kus) canadensis (kan-a-DEN-sis)

Caprifoliaceae (cap-ree-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)