Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) in a Quart Pot. 1 Elderberry shrub in a qt pot 6-12 in. tall. The American Elderberry grows to a height of 5-12 ft and a spread of 5-12 ft at maturity. This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year once established. Can be pruned into a single stem small stem tree or pruned regularly to maintain its multi-stem form for maximum fruit producing. Blooms in the summer with small star shaped yellowish-white flowers in clusters 6-10 inches wide. Yields eatable dark purple berries August-September. Good for jellies, pies, juice and wine. For best fruiting plant multiple shrubs. Hardy zones 4-9. California orders ship bare root November-March only.