Elderberry Golden Elder

Golden Elder, Sambucus canadensis 'Aurea', is a hardy, rapid growing shrub with bright golden yellow leaves. The clusters of tiny white flowers in spring are followed by bright red fruits in August. These fruits are excellent for making pies, jam and wine. This broad rounded shaped shrub grows in average, medium to wet, well drained soil in full sun to part shade, and grows 8 12 feet in height and width. The best golden foliage color is created in full sun. Golden Elder tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers moist, humus soils. Perhaps best when massed in naturalized areas where suckering spread is acceptable. Also effective in shrub borders, roadside plantings, wet or low areas or as a screen.