Hamilton American Elderberry Cuttings.

The Hamilton American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis 'Hamilton') is an indeterminant cultivar of the native American elderberry, a deciduous shrub prized for its ornamental beauty, edible fruit, and ecological benefits. This variety is known for its vigorous growth, reaching heights and widths of 6 to 12 feet, with a spreading, multi-stemmed habit that forms thickets if left unpruned. Its bright green, pinnate leaves consist of 5 to 11 serrated leaflets, providing a lush backdrop to the large, flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of creamy-white flowers that bloom in mid-summer, typically from June to July. These fragrant blossoms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. By late summer to early fall (August to September), the flowers give way to drooping clusters of small, dark purple-black berries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. While the berries are bitter when raw and require cooking for safe consumption (due to mild toxicity in unripe fruit and other plant parts), they are popularly used in jams, jellies, wines, and syrups. The Hamilton cultivar is noted for its robust production and adaptability, making it a favorite for both home gardeners, small-scale growers, wildlife habitats, native plant for deer attractant, and reliable source for pollinators.