James Burghardt
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Botanical Name
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis 'Aurea'
Plant Common Name
American Elderberry
General Description
An eastern North American cousin of black elderberry, American elderberry is a medium to large, fast-growing, deciduous shrub. The cultivar 'Aurea' is grown for its golden-yellow foliage, large, musky-scented flower heads, and showy clusters of fruits. A wildlife magnet, it attracts butterflies with its flowers and wildlife with its fruit.
In late spring and summer, large flat-topped cymes of creamy flowers appear. They are followed in late summer by red berries which contrast strikingly with the foliage. The frond-like leaves are divided into 5 to 11 toothed elliptic leaflets, and are brightest yellow in full sun. They emit a somewhat unpleasant odor when crushed.
Not fussy about soils, elderberries like a sunny spot and moderate moisture. For best fruiting, plant two or more cultivars in the shrub border or as a screen or backdrop. A hard pruning in spring will produce even larger showier foliage.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
7'-12' / 2.1m - 3.7m
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Width
7'-12' / 2.1m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, Canada
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Ivory
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Yellow, Gold
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Yellow, Gold
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Gold
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
