American Black Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis ‘Ranch’
If you’ve been pining after an Elderberry, but don’t quite have 12′ of garden space to spare, consider ‘Ranch’ Elderberry. This variety from University of Missouri still amazes with all of the many wonderful traits of the species – the large, showy clusters of fragrant flowers, the spectacular masses of dark fruit, the interesting green leaflets – but all in a compact form. Its smaller stature not only allows it to fit in smaller garden spaces, but it makes harvesting the delicious, juicy fruits a cinch.
Note: Plant more than one variety of Elderberry to ensure the best fruit set.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; moist to wet soil
Size: 5′ – 7′ tall, 5′ spread
Zone: 4 – 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers highly attractive to native bees, hoverflies, longhorned beetles, tumbling flower beetles and many other pollinators; fruits beloved by birds; larval host for Elderberry longhorn beetle
