Photo of Johns Black Elderberry flower by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Johns Black Elderberry

Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis 'Johns'

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 6'-8'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

Johns Black Elderberry plant details

Johns Black Elderberry is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring cream and white flowers emerge followed by black and purple fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Johns Black Elderberry

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: adoxaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in spring
Uses: edible

GROWING CONDITIONS for Johns Black Elderberry

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This fine Elderberry (a large vigorous shrub) was selected by the Nova Scotia Experiment Station for its large clusters of large fruits; cross-pollination recommended. S-PSh/M

Gardening facts about Johns Black Elderberry plant

How to Grow Johns Black Elderberry

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • cream
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Fruit

    • purple
    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Sambucus for your garden

Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra 'Eva'

aka Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace', Sambucus nigre 'Eva Black Lace', Black Lace Elderberry, Black Lace™ European Elderberry

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub, Fruit / Vegetable

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Sambucus nigra Black Lace™ PP15575 flower by Anna Kullgren
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aka Sambucus caerulea var. neomexicana, Sambucus cerulea, Sambucus glauca var. neomexicana, Sambucus mexicana, Sambucus neomexicana, Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea, Blue Elderberry, Caerulea Blue Elderberry, Mexican Elderberry, New Mexico Elder, Tapiro

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 12'-20'

Width: 6'-15'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Sambucus caerulea fruit by Stan Shebs
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Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra 'Gerda'

aka Sambucus 'Black Beauty', Sambucus nigra 'Black Beauty', Black Beauty™ Elderberry

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 10'-15'

Width: 6'-12'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Sambucus nigra Black Beauty™ pp12305 flower, foliage by plant lust
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More Options

aka Pyramidalis Columnar Elderberry

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 12'

Width: 4'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Sambucus nigra 'Pyramidalis' form by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Thundercloud', Black Elder, European Elder

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Sambucus nigra 'Thundercloud' flower, foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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