Black Elder
Sambucus melanocarpa
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 6F4F — Sambucus melanocarpa
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IOverview
Overview
Black Elder (Sambucus melanocarpa) is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the western United States and Canada, found in habitats ranging from Alberta to Wyoming. Known for its edible flowers and fruit, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and can grow up to 4 meters tall. Native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, it is hardy in zones 5-9. Its distinctive features include its ability to tolerate a variety of soil types and its light requirement that ranges from full sun to partial shade.
Quick answers
What is Black Elder?
Black Elder (Sambucus melanocarpa) is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the western United States and Canada, found in habitats ranging from Alberta to Wyoming. Known for its edible flowers and fruit, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure.
What is Black Elder used for?
Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Black Elder
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Black Elder appears in herbal sources around seasonal wellness traditions, often as a traditional preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Black Elder support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Black Elder thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 4 meters tall as a tree or shrub. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. Given its native range across western North America, it adapts well to temperate regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Black Elder for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Black Elder in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil; amend with compost if needed. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground after stratification or start young plants indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, water when the top inch of soil is dry. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually to encourage new growth and remove dead branches; harvest flowers for tea or fruit for jams after the first year.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruit
Edible uses: The black elder's flowers and fruits are edible. The flowers can be used fresh or dried for teas or to make fritters and syrups. The fruits are typically harvested when ripe and made into jams, jellies, and juices. Both parts add a sweet flavor to various dishes but should be prepared carefully as they contain cyanogenic glycosides that require proper processing.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 14 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, Alberta, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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