Elderberry, American Black (Sambucus canadensis)

American Black Elderberry is a vigorous, multi-stemmed shrub that produces large, creamy-white flower clusters in early summer, followed by heavy, drooping umbels of dark purple berries later in the season.

While elderberry is well-known in modern wellness practices, its use dates back to Hippocrates, who called it “Nature’s Medicine Chest.” Across Indigenous and early American traditions, both the flowers and berries were used in preparations supporting general wellness and seasonal resilience. Today, elderberry remains valued in herbalism, appearing in teas, syrups, and other formulations designed to support the body’s natural defenses and overall well-being.

In ancient cultures, Elder carries rich threads of folklore that tie the berries to the fey, while the wood brings good fortune and houses protective spirits. Elder’s value as a shelter is not just for spirits, however. Its branching structure offers secure nesting for wildlife, while the berries serve as a vital late-season food source for birds, mammals, and insects.

For a fruiting native that nourishes the hearth and enlivens the landscape, American Black Elderberry is a reliable and rewarding choice.