Quick answer: Common elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) is native to 36 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Unknown photographer, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Wet, tolerates dry to wet soils |
| Soil | Rich, moist, slightly acid soil, circumneutral pH |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | Up to 12 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Berries relished by birds and mammals, deer eat twigs/leaves, nectar source, nesting materials for native bees |
none noted (checked genus-level Sambucus nigra page, which covers subspecies)
none noted; page notes genus includes non-native ssp. nigra (European Black Elderberry) but does not flag ssp. canadensis as invasive
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Common elderberry
Where is Common elderberry native?
Common elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) is native to 36 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Common elderberry bloom?
Common elderberry blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Common elderberry need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Wet, tolerates dry to wet soils. Soil: Rich, moist, slightly acid soil, circumneutral pH. Mature height: Up to 12 ft tall.
Is Common elderberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Berries relished by birds and mammals, deer eat twigs/leaves, nectar source, nesting materials for native bees.
Is Common elderberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Common elderberry is drought-tolerant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Common elderberry toxic?
none noted (checked genus-level Sambucus nigra page, which covers subspecies).
Where can I buy real Common elderberry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Common elderberry.
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Smooth sumac Rhus glabra
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.