Golden Elder

Golden elder is a large, rounded shrub that produces fragrant, white flower clusters in June. Large clusters of small, edible, purplish-black fruit appear in late summer. It gets its name from its yellowish-green leaves.

If you have space for a large, leafy shrub, golden elder can be a great choice for attracting native birds and insects. It's also a good option for adding edible plants to a landscape, as the berries can be used in pies, jellies, syrups, or as dried fruit. 

Since it tolerates some shade, golden elder can be planted on the side of a house or in the shade of a deciduous tree.

Golden Elder

Golden elder is a large, rounded shrub that produces fragrant, white flower clusters in June. Large clusters of small, edible, purplish-black fruit appear in late summer. It gets its name from its yellowish-green leaves.

If you have space for a large, leafy shrub, golden elder can be a great choice for attracting native birds and insects. It's also a good option for adding edible plants to a landscape, as the berries can be used in pies, jellies, syrups, or as dried fruit. 

Since it tolerates some shade, golden elder can be planted on the side of a house or in the shade of a deciduous tree.

Plant details
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Botanic Name

Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis 'Aurea'

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Pronunciation

sam-BYOO-kus NY-gruh

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Mature Height

8 to 12 ft.

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Mature Spread

8 to 12 ft.

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Water usage
Water Usage

One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.

Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.

Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.

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Flower Color

white

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Bloom time

June

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Colorado Native

Yes

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Natural Habitat

mostly eastern and mid-western US, but occurs in a few counties in CO.

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Light Requirements

sun to light shade

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 3-9

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 8,000 ft.

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