Elderberry: A Widespread Native with Complex Geography
If you’ve ever wondered about growing elderberry (Sambucus) in your garden, you’re in for an interesting journey! This perennial plant has one of the most complex native statuses you’ll encounter in the plant world, making it a fascinating case study in North American botanical geography.
What Exactly Is Elderberry?
Elderberry, scientifically known as Sambucus, is a perennial plant that’s technically classified as a forb herb. This means it’s a vascular plant that doesn’t develop significant woody tissue above or at ground level. While this might surprise some gardeners who expect elderberries to be shrubby, the botanical classification tells us these plants have perennating buds at or below the ground surface and lack the secondary woody growth you’d find in true shrubs.
Where Does Elderberry Call Home?
Here’s where things get really interesting! Elderberry has perhaps one of the most complicated native statuses of any North American plant:
- It’s native to Alaska and Puerto Rico
- It’s considered non-native but naturalized (reproducing on its own) in Hawaii, the Pacific Basin, and U.S. Virgin Islands
- Its status is undefined in Canada and the lower 48 states
Despite this complex native status, you can find elderberry growing across an impressive range of locations, from Alberta to Alabama, from British Columbia to the Yukon, and everywhere in between. It’s established in all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces, and several territories.
Should You Grow Elderberry in Your Garden?
The answer depends largely on where you live! Since elderberry’s native status varies dramatically by region, your first step should be checking whether it’s considered native in your specific area. If it’s native to your region, it can be an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Wildlife Benefits: Modest but Meaningful
While elderberry isn’t a wildlife superstar, it does provide some ecological value:
- Large animals use it for 2-5% of their diet and occasionally for cover
- Small mammals also get 2-5% of their diet from elderberry and sometimes use it for shelter
- Terrestrial birds rely on it for 5-10% of their diet, though they don’t often use it for nesting cover
These percentages might seem small, but every bit counts in supporting local ecosystems, especially when combined with other native plants.
The Bottom Line
Elderberry presents an interesting choice for native plant gardeners. Its widespread distribution and perennial nature make it a potentially valuable addition, but its complex native status means you’ll need to do some homework first. Check with local native plant societies, extension offices, or botanical experts to determine whether Sambucus is truly native to your specific region.
If it turns out elderberry isn’t native to your area, consider exploring other native alternatives that can provide similar or better wildlife benefits while supporting your local ecosystem. Remember, the goal of native gardening is to work with nature, not against it – and that starts with choosing plants that truly belong in your corner of the world.
