Quick answer: Common elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) is native to 16 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register 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
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