American Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Adoxaceae, Caprifoliaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Quick Facts
Height
5–12 ft
Spread
13 ft
Growth Rate
Fast
Light
Part Shade
Soil
Moist
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 3a–8b
Bloom Time
June to July
Fall Color
Yellow
Origin
eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia and
Phenological Calendar
As of May 13, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1906.2 to 2098.2 GDD₃₂. American Elderberry typically reaches 'first bloom' at 2450 GDD₃₂, predicted around May 28.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 13, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,098 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 352 |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,089 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 361 |
| Seattle / UW | 2,063 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 387 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,025 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 425 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,993 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 457 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,972 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 478 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,906 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 544 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT | 2450 | '' est. May 28 (forecast) |
| 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' | 2878 | '' est. Jun 12 (avg) |
Range: 1998–2287 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
Source: 'Master catalog (OSU), converted GDD50->GDD32 via Kent bloom-date mapping' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 13, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 29, 2026, then climate normals.
Diseases: Regionally Documented (1)
Pests: Regionally Documented (2)
Data Maturity Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.