Elderberry ImageElderberry ImageElderberry Image

Elderberry

Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, is a native thicket-forming shrub or small tree that can be found along streams, marshes, and moist forests. It may grow 2-3 m tall (9 to 12 feet), is somewhat woody and has an arching spreading form. Small white flowers are borne in dense clusters. Flowers are followed by drooping clusters of black fruit in late summer to fall. 

The elderberry tolerates a wide variety of wet to somewhat dry soils but prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil in sun to partial shade. Under cultivation, it is tolerant to a wide range of soil conditions but grows best on well-drained loam soils. It is hardy from zone 3-8.

Elderberry is famous as a medicinal berry high in vitamin C, fiber and very high in antioxidants. Elderberries are best cooked into desserts, pies, and jams. It must be cooked to be edible. Eaten raw, berries can cause intestinal discomfort.

Elderberry Seedling Image
Elderberry Seedling

Elderberry seedlings (grown from seed), Sambucus canadensis, are native plants that can be enjoyed for the clusters of attractive flowers followed by the tasty black fruit. Hardy to zone 4.

 

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'Adams' Elderberry Layer Image
'Adams' Elderberry Layer

‘Adams’ fruits are very large. They are also borne on large clusters up to 15 cm across. Adams compliments Johns Elderberry in pollination. The fruits ripen late in the season and can be harvested over a four week season. Stems grow to eight feet and are well branched.  Hardiness Zones 3-8.

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'Bob Gordon' Elderberry Layer Image
'Bob Gordon' Elderberry Layer

‘Bob Gordon’ elderberry fruit is sweeter and larger than other cultivars. The plants are vigorous and productive. This cultivar can be mowed to the ground after dormancy and fruits can be harvested in the following year on primocane stems. Yields are high, and plants appear to have some resistance to Japanese Beetle. Hardiness Zones 4-8.

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'Johns' Elderberry Layer Image
'Johns' Elderberry Layer

‘Johns’ is a named cultivar known for its larger fruits with clusters; at minimum 14cm (5") in diameter. Plants are vigorous, growing 3 m (10') tall. Needs one other Elderberry to pollinate twelve Johns.  Hardiness Zones 4a-8a.

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'Ranch' Elderberry Layer  Image
'Ranch' Elderberry Layer

‘Ranch’ is the best choice for growing in extreme climates. The plants are short and easily harvested. The stems are strong and shorter in stature than other cultivars, growing to 2 m (5-6’) tall. Clusters of fruits can be found in the middle of the stems to the top. The plants grow in most soil types and are the most tolerant to non-fertile soils. Hardiness Zones 3-8.

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'York' Elderberry Layer Image
'York' Elderberry Layer

'York' elderberry bush is the largest variety of Elderberry that can produces multiple clusters of large Elderberries. This variety is known for its huge production of large berries, but not necessarily the sweetest. Great for baking. Hardy for zone 3-8.

 

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