The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: golden American elder, golden American elderberry

Family: Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle family)

Synonym: Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis 'Aurea'

Distribution: Species native to c. and e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Deciduous shrub/Subshrub

Comments: A golden leaf form, deciduous shrub growing to 12' tall. Habit is generally upright, but with multiple long, arching stems. Leaves are pinnately compound, opposite, with sharply serrated margins. Flowers are white, held in flat-topped clusters, 6-10" wide, opening in June and continuing into July. Fruits are cherry red, 1/4" across eventually darkening to purple-black. Use in the border. Tolerates wet sites well, but best used in full sun.