Ontario Trees & Shrubs website

Common Elderberry
Sambucus nigra

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Other common names: American Elder, Black Elderberry, Canada Elderberry, Common Elder

Other scientific names: Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus cerulea, Sambucus mexicana, Sambucus orbiculata, Sambucus simpsonii

French names: Sureau blanc

Family: Muskroot Family (Adoxaceae), (Honeysuckle Family (Caprifoliaceae))

Group: Elderberries

Distinctive features: Shrub

Similar species:
  •   Red-berried Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) - Very similar, berries red, grows in drier habitats (in woods).


Flowers: Summer;  White;  5 parts (petals)

Height: 2 m (6 ft)

Habitat: Fields and Open Areas, Moist Meadows, Thickets

Edible: The berries make excellent pies.

Books: Shrubs of Ontario: 449    Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 320   

Native/Non-native: Native

Notes: This native shrub is grown for its fruit (for use in jellies, pies or wine), or its use in landscapes for wildlife habitat.

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: nigra: black


Photographs: 89 photographs available, of which 9 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page
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Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) plant

Common Elderberry plant in bloom.

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) leaf

Common Elderberry has a compound leaf.

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) flowers

The flower head in full bloom.

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) flowers

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) plant

A solitary Common Elderberry shrub growing in a damp spot in a field.

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) fruit

Ripe Common Elderberry fruit.

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) ripe fruit on shrub

A shrub heavily laden with ripe fruit. The berries make excellent pie!

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) stems in winter

Twigs in the winter.

Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) twig

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Range map for Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)