Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Elderberry is often found in moist soil along the edge of wetlands of the East Coast down to Dade County. It will not tolerate long periods of flooding and must be protected from salt air and water. Growth is from 8-20 feet coming from multiple canes. Root suckers are common so give it an area where it can expand.

The white heads of flowers provide nectar for pollinators and can be dipped in batter and fried. The clusters of black berries are tasty and make a good juice or wine. The leaves and other parts of the plant are poisonous. It is suggested that if you drink over a cup of the juice, you cook it briefly first.

Plant along a lake edge, out of the reach of flooding, or near your cypress swamp or other low, moist areas. The soil must not dry out for long. Catbirds and others love the fruit and will stay near Elderberry when it is fruiting during the winter months.

Mix Elderberry with Wax Myrtle, Salt Bush, Slash Pine, Carolina Willow, Red Maple, Sweet Gum, Florida Elm or just the sunny edge of a wetland habitat for an attractive mass planting.

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