Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 9, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Elderberry
American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a fast-growing native shrub from eastern North America bearing large, flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers in early summer followed by drooping bunches of small dark purple-black berries. The berries are widely used for syrups, wines, and wildlife food. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Alkaline, Well-drained, Wet
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Plant elderberry in full sun for the heaviest fruit and flower production; it will tolerate partial sun but yields fewer blooms and berries — choose a site with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Elderberry prefers consistently moist to wet soil and performs best near water features or in low areas that collect rain; it tolerates occasional drought once established but will produce more abundantly with regular moisture.
Adaptable to a wide range of soils from sandy to clay and tolerates wet conditions; enrich planting soil with compost and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring — prune out old canes annually and remove suckers to maintain a tidy, productive shrub.
Similar needs
Marlberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Saltbush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Virginia Sweetspire
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Redbud
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Sugarberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Tropical Sage
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Elderberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Elderberry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-12 feet × 6-10 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.