Is Black elderberry good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Black elderberry is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Black elderberry?

Space Black elderberry about 10 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 7 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Black elderberry hardy on the Front Range?

Black elderberry is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Black elderberry need?

It needs medium water once established.

How fast does Black elderberry grow?

Black elderberry is a fast-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Black elderberry native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

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Black elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8 to 12 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Black-purple cut-leaf foliage in named cultivars + pink/white flat flower heads. Edible cooked berries.

On the CSU listmedium water8 to 12 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide

Photos

Photo 1: no rights reserved, uploaded by Milla Carne
Photo 2: (c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Photo 3: (c) Attila Oláh, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Attila Oláh
Photo 4: no rights reserved, uploaded by Quentin Groom

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 8
Water needs: medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: clay, loam
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Hail tolerance: moderate
Wind tolerance: moderate
Salt tolerance: low

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 8 to 12 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~10 ft apart (7 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Fast

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: early summer
Bloom color: pink, white
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Fruit: edible.

Frequently asked questions

Is Black elderberry good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Black elderberry is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Black elderberry get?: It matures to about 8 to 12 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Black elderberry?: Space Black elderberry about 10 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 7 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Black elderberry hardy on the Front Range?: Black elderberry is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Black elderberry need?: It needs medium water once established.
How fast does Black elderberry grow?: Black elderberry is a fast-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Black elderberry native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.