American elderberry is a beloved shrub known for its tasty berries, attractive flowers, and medicinal benefits. But before planting this versatile plant, it’s important to understand how tall it grows so you can choose the right spot in your landscape In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the growth rate, mature size, and factors that affect the height of American elderberry
An Overview of American Elderberry
American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a deciduous, woody shrub native to most of North America. It’s a member of the Adoxaceae family and closely related to other elderberry species found in Europe, Asia, and South America.
In the wild, American elderberry grows in moist areas like stream banks, forest edges, and wetlands. It spreads vigorously through suckers and can form dense thickets when conditions are ideal.
The shrub has pinnately compound leaves and produces large clusters of tiny white flowers in spring/summer These fragrant blooms give way to clusters of deep purple-black berries in late summer/fall that birds love. s have used elderberry fruit for food, wine, tea, and natural remedies for centuries. The popularity of elderberry continues to grow for home landscapes, native gardens, and commercial cultivation
Typical Height of American Elderberry
On average, American elderberry grows to a mature height of 5-12 feet when properly sited and cared for. Some key facts about its size:
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Most sources list the shrub’s typical maximum height as 12 feet 15 feet is possible but less common
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American elderberry is classified as a large shrub or small tree, but is not a towering tree. It has a bushy, rounded form.
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It is often as wide as it is tall, reaching a spread of 5-12 feet at maturity.
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The lowest branches tend to sweep down close to the ground. It does not have a clear trunk.
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It reaches its mature height and width quickly, often in just 3-5 years.
Factors Affecting Height
The eventual height of your American elderberry depends on several variables:
Soil & Site
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Elderberry thrives in fertile, moist soils. Poor, dry soils will limit growth.
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Full sun is best. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day keeps it growing strongly. Too much shade reduces vigor.
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Sheltered, warm sites allow plants to grow larger than exposed, windy sites.
Water
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Provide 1-2 inches of water per week for fastest growth. Drought stunts its development.
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Avoid overwatering, which can rot roots and cause decline. Moist, well-drained soil is ideal.
Age
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Growth is most rapid in youth, slowing as plants mature after 5-10 years.
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Pruning rejuvenates and extends the period of fast, vigorous growth.
Pruning
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Regular pruning encourages bushy, compact growth vs. tall, leggy growth.
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Severe pruning reduces height but is stressful and delays flowering/fruiting.
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Prune out older, less productive stems to stimulate new growth.
Cultivation
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Wild plants vary more in size than cultivated varieties bred for certain traits.
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Some cultivars are selected for dwarf size of 4-6 feet, while others can grow 18 feet tall.
Growth Rate
Under optimum conditions, American elderberry grows quickly, often adding over 2 feet of height per year when young. Growth slows as plants enter maturity.
Here are some key facts about the growth rate:
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First year growth often reaches 2-4 feet. Growth of 6 feet in a single year is possible.
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Growth of 2+ feet per year continues for the first 3-5 years with adequate moisture and sun.
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After establishing, most sources report growth of 1-2 feet per year until reaching maturity.
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Once at full size, plants devote energy to spreading via suckers rather than gaining height.
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Pruning, fertilizing, and watering mature shrubs boosts the growth rate.
So by providing the right care, you can maximize growth and enjoy fast results with American elderberry!
Caring for Your Elderberry
To encourage your elderberry shrub to grow to its full height potential, focus on:
Site selection – Choose a spot with full sun, fertile soil, and ample moisture. Avoid overly wet or dry sites.
Watering – Water 1-2 inches per week, adjusting for rainfall. Deep watering encourages deep roots and vigorous growth.
Fertilizing – Use a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring. Mulch annually with compost.
Pruning – Thin out older stems each spring to stimulate new growth. Remove suckers as needed.
Pest prevention – Scout for pests like aphids. Take action early to keep plants healthy.
With the proper site, care, and pruning, your American elderberry will quickly grow into a beautiful, productive shrub!
Height Control
If elderberry is starting to outgrow its space, you can slow it down. Here are a few tips:
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Prune back oversized stems in early spring. Remove 1/3 of oldest, tallest stems at ground level.
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Cut suckers regularly to reduce spread. Mow around the base to eliminate new suckers.
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Reduce fertilizing and watering. This stresses the plant and curbs rapid growth.
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Transplant suckers to give plants more breathing room.
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Propagate new plants for a new location. Remove and replace the overgrown shrub.
Controlling height takes persistence, but it helps keep your elderberry shrub at a more manageable size.
Enjoying Your Elderberries
Once established, American elderberry provides years of beauty and rewards. Enjoy:
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Fragrant spring flowers that attract pollinators
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Lush green foliage throughout summer
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Harvesting berries for food, wine, and medicine in late summer and fall
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Interest for birds and wildlife all year long
With its multi-season appeal and generous harvests, American elderberry is a wonderful addition to gardens across North America. Just be sure to give it the space it needs to flourish.
Now that you know what to expect in terms of American elderberry’s mature size and growth rate, you can choose the perfect spot to plant this delightful shrub. With the right location and care, you’ll enjoy fast growth and an abundance of flowers and fruit.
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Growing elderberry in the garden
Updated from an original article written by Jeannie Nichols.
Identify the right conditions and potential pests before selecting elderberry for your smart garden.
Photo 1. A purple leafed variety of elderberry foliage with white florets. Photo by Jean Persley.
Aesthetics, jam, pie, wine and medicinal use are among the reasons Michigan gardeners include elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) in their garden. Along with its human benefits, the fruits are a food source for birds. Elderberries are wind-pollinated, but their flowers attract butterflies and other floral-visiting insects.
Elderberry is a native plant growing bush-like to heights of 6 to 12 feet, depending on site conditions (Photo 1). Each bush sends up many canes that flower and fruit, primarily in their second and third years. The tiny purple elderberries generally become ripe in late August (Photo 2).
Photo 2. Elderberry fruits. Photo by Patrick Byers, University of Missouri Extension AF 1017-2012.
Smart conditions suitable for growing elderberry
Elderberry grows in medium to wet soils and can tolerate clay soils if there is good drainage. If you have poorly drained soils, try planting on a berm to increase the chance of success. This plant tolerates full sun or partial shade, requires soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and can grow across much of Michigan being hardy through USDA Zone 4a.
Plant elderberry in spring after the final frost using bare root one-year old plants. To avoid competition, remove perennial weeds from the planting area. In the first year, remove flowers after blooming to enhance root growth and structure instead of fruit production. Do not add fertilizer at planting time, although an annual application in later years will assist fertility. If you are unsure whether your soil conditions are appropriate for elderberry production, get a Michigan State University Extension Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test to determine the necessary nutrient and organic matter needs.
Elderberry spreads through root suckers, and these should be pruned in late winter to avoid populations that naturalize over a large area. Though plants do not require annual pruning for fruit production, an annual or biannual pruning of older and damaged stems will help produce new growth from which fruits will be produced. Struggling elderberries can be pruned completely to the ground. While this lengthens the time of fruit production, it removes diseased stems that could be the cause of decline. As new elderberry cultivars are introduced, it is best to confirm with the fruit supplier whether the plant is tolerant of a complete pruning.
Growing Elderberry! What you need to know!
FAQ
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