American elderberry bush ( Sambucus canadensis ) is a deciduous bush , hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant life hardiness zones 3 through 9 . Its relative , black senior ( Sambucus nigra ) , hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 , is also a deciduous bush . The two elders are grow for their ornamental value and edible fruit . North Carolina has six USDA plant hardiness zone , from 5b to 8a . Therefore both elderberry species can be grown in the Tar Heel State .
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American common elder is native to the eastern United States , including North Carolina . The multi - stemmed shrubs contact 5 to 12 ft improbable , with an equal bedspread . Their pinnate or feathery leaves are usually borne in odd - numbered groups . Fragrant white flower clump appear in late spring or early summer , followed by purple - black fruits in late summer or early crepuscule . The shrubs prosper in full sunlight to part tad and do best when sited in area that obtain consistent moisture . Powdery mildew can occur during hot North Carolina summers , but sound air circulation can help prevent it .
Black Elder
blackened elder does not have the extensive zone hardiness span of American elder , but outfit within the hardiness parameter of North Carolina . While American elder is a better choice for yield production , some multifariousness of black elder are extremely ornamental . " Eva , " sold commercially as Black Lace ( Sambucus nigra " Eva " Black Lace ) , hardy in USDA geographical zone 4 through 7 ( include parts of westerly North Carolina ) , features profoundly dissected , lacy royal folio reminiscent of some Japanese maple . The fragrant flush are pinkish . middling shorter than the metal money , " Eva " Black Lace grows 6 to 8 feet tall .
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Uses
elder make fantabulous specimens for North Carolina wildlife gardens . The flowers draw butterflies and the fruit attract birds . The shrubs also make good plantings for naturalized field and streamside landscapes . American elderberry can be included in native plant gardens . Some of the small cultivars , like " Witches Broom " ( Sambucus nigra " Witches Broom " ) , hardy in USDA geographical zone 5 through 7 , can be grow in container or belittled spaces . Take care when determine whether to plant any elderberry specie or variety , as flora part can be toxic to pets if take in .
Other Elderberries
In plus to the American and smuggled elderberry specie , several others can also be originate in western country of North Carolina . These include blueberry elder ( Sambucus caerulea ) , hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7 , with gentle - disgraceful edible fruit and yellow - whitened flowerheads ; and cerise elder ( Sambucus pubens ) , hardy in USDA zones 4 to 6 and fall out of course in mint areas of the country . The European red elder ( Sambucus racemosa ) , hardy in USDA zones 4 through 6 or 7 , has the same finely dissected leaves as its relatives , but is name by peculiarly heavy fruit curing .
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