Elderberry plant profile
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
A perennial fruit for full sun.
Last updated .
When to plant
When to plant Elderberry
Penn State Extension does not give a planting date, noting only that elderberry is easy to grow from nursery stock or cuttings. Like most deciduous shrubs, set out dormant plants in early spring as soon as the soil is workable.
The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.
Open Elderberry in my garden calendarShows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.
Growing conditions
- Sun
- Full sun
- Soil pH
- 6.8 to 7.2
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Spacing
- 60 to 84 in apart
Common problems
Watch for these
Also watch for: toxic raw fruit, needs cross pollination.
Next steps
Continue with Elderberry
Evidence trail
Evidence behind this profile
Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.
- Elderberry in the Garden and the Kitchen
Penn State Extension. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-13.