American Elderberry Organic Seeds (Sambucus canadensis) – Heirloom native shrub prized for antioxidant-rich berries; perfect for teas, syrups & wildlife gardens.

Minimum: 50+ seeds

Bring the beauty, flavor, and healing power of North America’s native elderberry to your home garden with American Elderberry Organic Seeds (Sambucus canadensis) — a beloved heirloom shrub known for its nutrient-dense berries, ornamental appeal, and vital role in supporting wildlife. Highly adaptable and easy to grow, this perennial fruiting shrub thrives in a variety of conditions and rewards growers with clusters of sweet, deep-purple berries perfect for making immune-boosting syrups, antioxidant teas, jams, and wines. Whether you’re cultivating a wildlife-friendly garden, crafting homemade herbal remedies, or expanding your edible landscape, the American elderberry offers both beauty and utility in one resilient plant.

Native to the eastern and central United States, Sambucus canadensis has long been cherished by Indigenous peoples and early settlers alike for its medicinal and culinary versatility. Its flowers and berries are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as anthocyanins and flavonoids that contribute to its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties. This hardy shrub also serves as a pollinator magnet, drawing in bees, butterflies, and birds with its fragrant, creamy-white blossoms in early summer — and later, offering abundant berries that provide essential food for wildlife.

🌿 Key Features & Benefits
✅ Native Heirloom Variety – A time-tested North American species celebrated for its adaptability, hardiness, and ecological value. Perfect for permaculture gardens, food forests, and rewilding projects.
✅ Nutrient-Dense Superfruit – Berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial compounds that support immune function, heart health, and overall wellness.
✅ Culinary Versatility – Ideal for creating elderberry syrup, herbal teas, jellies, pies, cordials, and natural wine. The blossoms can also be used to make elderflower drinks and desserts.
✅ Wildlife Magnet – Provides nectar for pollinators and fruits for birds, making it a vital plant for biodiversity and ecosystem health.
✅ Cold-Hardy & Resilient – Thrives in USDA Zones 3–9, tolerating frost, heavy rainfall, and a range of soil types, from loamy to slightly clay.
✅ Fast-Growing & Productive – Once established, mature shrubs can reach 6–12 feet tall, producing abundant clusters of berries each summer.
✅ Low Maintenance – Requires minimal care once rooted; prune annually to encourage strong growth and abundant fruiting.

🌸 Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus canadensis

• Type: Deciduous perennial shrub

• Height: 6–12 ft (1.8–3.6 m)

• Spread: 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m)

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0)

• Water Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions

• Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9

🌱 How to Grow from Seed:
Elderberry seeds require cold stratification to germinate successfully. Follow these simple steps for best results:

1. Stratify Seeds: Mix seeds with damp sand or peat moss and refrigerate for 60–90 days to simulate winter dormancy.

2. Sow Indoors: After stratification, plant seeds ¼" deep in seed trays filled with moist, rich soil. Keep at 65–75°F (18–24°C).

3. Transplant Outdoors: When seedlings are 3–4 inches tall and after the danger of frost has passed, transplant to the garden, spacing plants 6–10 feet apart.

4. Water Regularly: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Once mature, elderberries tolerate short dry periods but prefer consistent moisture for best yields.

5. Prune & Maintain: Prune annually in late winter to remove old stems and encourage vigorous new growth.

🌼 Harvesting & Use

• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer

• Berry Harvest: Late summer to early fall when berries turn dark purple and soft

• Uses:

  • Teas & Syrups: Boil berries (never eat raw) to make flavorful, immune-supportive remedies.

  • Culinary: Add to pies, jams, wine, and cordials.

  • Flowers: Use for elderflower drinks, fritters, or natural infusions.

🦋 Ecological Benefits
American elderberry supports pollinators, songbirds, and small mammals, providing nectar and nourishment while stabilizing soil along wetlands and slopes. It’s an excellent plant for wildlife corridors, rain gardens, and reforestation efforts—bridging ornamental beauty with environmental sustainability.

🌿 Tips for Success:

• Pair elderberries with compatible pollinating varieties for maximum fruit production.

• Apply compost annually to enrich the soil and maintain strong growth.

• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Avoid harvesting berries until they are fully ripe and deep purple.

💚 Why Choose American Elderberry?
Unlike its European cousin (Sambucus nigra), Sambucus canadensis is perfectly adapted to North American climates and ecosystems, making it a resilient, eco-friendly choice for regenerative gardens. It offers a balance of function, beauty, and medicinal value, making it a favorite among herbalists, homesteaders, and gardeners seeking self-sufficiency.

✨ Bring timeless tradition and modern health together with American Elderberry Organic Seeds — a native heirloom that nourishes both body and land. ✨