In particular, I am looking for one that the berries would be ready in September as we are often away quite a lot in August and don’t want the berries to go to waste. Is there much of a difference and what edible plant would do best here? This plant generally prefers to be moist and cool, so you’ll need to provide plenty of water and shade when growing in your area. Hello, I would like to grow elderberries for medicinal syrups. Also, the deer nibble on the new growth in spring and summer. Their pinnate foliage is typical of the straight species. Either way, the ‘Lemon’ variety is known more for its foliage than its flowers and berries. I’d need more detail to know more specifically what growing zone you would be in depending on where your farming plans might take you- the USDA offers an excellent interactive hardiness zone map that you can search by zip code, and I recommend checking that out. Small world, Narelle – my husband grew up on the Eastern Shore, north of you in Chestertown! Berries are large and the bushes are very productive. I say leave it alone. We are pretty excited to possibly be planting quite a few plants on my parents farm. I appreciate any feedback. Hello! Last year I planted a black lace elderberry and it’s doing great. This cultivar of S. racemosa doesn’t require another type for cross-pollination, and the red elderberries that this species produces don’t share the same qualities as black berry-producing types in terms of edible use – these are considered to be the most toxic of the Sambucus species. An awesome benefit would… Read more ». Where are you located? In SW Washington you’re in Zone 8, and many varieties should do well there. Leaves and inner bark can be used as an insecticide and a dye. I live in Central Nebraska – Zone 5. It is closely related to the European Sambucus nigra. I like the look and size of both the Black Lace and the Lemon Lace Sambuca, and I was wondering if they would work together as cross-pollinators. I am in zip code 94501 in the coastal SF/East Bay area. Great question, Barbara. In addition to the pH, what type of soil do you have? This plant is native to the western United States, Mexico, and the West Coast. Plant in zones 3-7 and enjoy this adaptable plant with its uniquely beautiful chartreuse color. Do the leaves and stems change color in the fall? I want to grow elderberries to make syrups, jams, jellies and wines. Hello, I live in Farmington, N.M., which I believe is zone 6 a. I’m looking for a bush or tree that will provide food and protection for birds. Thank you! This resilient breed is also cold tolerant, making it a perfect choice for zones 3-9. They tell me that the pH of the soil needs to be between 5.5 and 6.5. Sambucus canadensis, the American black elderberry, Canada elderberry, or common elderberry, is a species of elderberry native to a large area of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, south to Bolivia. Abstract: American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a plant native to North America with anthocyanin-rich fruits. The answer is always much more vague. I read it spreads by suckers. Thanks for your question! And how old are your plants? It is particularly noted for its aromatic late spring flowers and its edible fruits (elderberries). Luckily, most elderberries grow well together, giving you the choice to try multiple breeds for a rainbow of florals. Otherwise, many gardeners prefer the look of elder’s natural habit. I’m also in Zone 5B in the midwest area that has plenty of sun. To give you a rough idea, for update NY you’re probably looking at zones 3b-6a, depending on how far upstate you go.… Read more ». It also has shallow roots, so this is a good pick for your location. Sambucus nigra ssp. Elderberry is one of a several dozen deciduous species of Sambucus, along with viburnums, belonging to the newly created family Adoxaceae. We have been trying to grow elderberries here… the first two years the sun and heat was and is brutal on the plant – no matter how much I watered, it wasn’t enough to develop fruit/berries. Also known as Sambucus nigra ssp. THe squirrels and birds love it, but I was hesitant to try the berries. Hubby says zone 8b. I was hoping to make wine, amd then I thought maybe Elderberry wine could be the way to go. Good luck! Elderberries prefer cool and moist conditions in the shade, so you’ll need to provide protection from the sun and plenty of water during the summer. There’s not much of a difference between the zones in your case, but keep the conditions in your own garden – in terms of available light, qualities of the soil, etc. ‘York’ and ‘Adams’ are favorites! Please note that some experts cautions against eating S. racemose cultivars, i.e. Would love something that doesn’t get too large and that is highly medicinal. Please advise to which is best. I live in SE Kansas. Super interesting article and comments! That being said, the soil has not been improved and rocky. Also I found several bushes similar to the elderberry on the side on my road. Do you think elderberries would be a good fit for my requirements? In the meantime, please check out our article on berry foraging and identification. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. There are hawks in the area and I would like to offer birds a sanctuary here. I’d love to have a medical hedge. It may grow 9 to 12 feet tall, is somewhat woody and has an arching spreading form. I am an avid canner and I was wondering what the best variety of elderberry is for juice and wine and for elderflower extracts? We have very hot summers and cold winters. Boerne is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, just on the edge of the warmest climate zones where elder plants are known to thrive. How do elderberries fare here in Va; in a small yard and near the beach? I have another elderberry that never produces fruit, but does flower. Hey there. I won’t do anything with them but I was curious to know if elderberries ALWAYS have serrated leaves.… Read more », Thanks for your message, Patricia! It will thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. This year we went to the extreme and built a shade… Read more ». Elderberry Cultivars (Berries, minor fruits and fruit trees) ... Common elderberry seedlings (Sambucus canadensis) Culture Grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. However, all of them except the “Common Elderberry” say they are a 2 year plant. Thanks for your question, Moranda! Yes, these are still recommended! Please leave your pick of the best in the comments! If you live in a growing zone that is pleasing to this shrub, I highly recommend giving elderberries a chance. In short, they require very little care and give back so much! I know it has really great health benefits, and I take black elderberry during the winter months here to help stay healthy so I’m mostly interested in using it for homeopathic healing. The roots, bark, and leaves of the red elderberry are definitely poisonous, but the jury’s still out on the fruit itself – indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest harvested, processed, and ate these berries for countless generations, but on the other hand, some studies suggest that the seeds may contain toxic compounds. Originated in New York. Do you think that will be a problem? Usually planting any two cultivars of the same species within 60 feet of each other should suffice for good cross-pollination, with at least two plants. canadensis. You’ll definitely help to ensure bigger harvests if you plant a few different types near each other. It will thrive in USDA Hardiness Zon… They are… Read more », Hi Jaimee. Where is a good place to find recipes for elderberries? The area is 10 ft wide with a pathway so we can access the air conditioning unit that is situated there. ‘Black Lace’ is one of my favorites, or try cold-tolerant ‘York.’ And be sure to plant in pairs with two different cultivars of the same species for the best harvest. Our soil texture is Sandy Clay Loam. I mean Elderberries! The Black Lace variety thrives in US Hardiness Zones 4-7. There are good reasons to believe that many collections, including scientific institutions, under the name “Sambucus nigra” cultivated Sambucus canadensis. Amending now is a great idea. As far as we know, all varieties of elderberry have “compound,” feathery, or toothed (rather than “simple” or smooth) leaves, which are serrated on the edges as you described. I’m not 100% sure if it is, but once I determine it is, are they safe to use for medicinal or homeopathic purposes? We live on a mountainside and our yard is fenced to protect from deer. My husband wants to know if we should prune it now? Diet. The plant itself looks healthy. The birds will be thrilled! We don’t have a very wet climate but I would like to grow here for medicinal purposes. Cultivars grown for their foliage may be cut back annually to within 2 or 3 buds from a permanent framework. Check out our guide to growing elders for more tips. Be sure to keep potted plants watered well – they’ll need good drainage, but they won’t be happy if you let the soil dry out either. My husband and I have family in Europe and we are in love with elderflower smell and elderflower desserts (not the berries). Elderberry grows as weak wooded, multi-stemmed woody shrubs to 12 feet tall and wide. I’m located in southern CA in 10a with some 9b zones. canadensis. I read that the Red Elderberry that grows in the Sambucus Canadensis grows wild in Montana and our city has planted it along the highway. Several types of dogwood are sometimes confused for elderberry since they have similar growth habits in shrub form, but their simple leaves are a dead giveaway. Thanks for your question, Kelly. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, pinnate with five to nine leaflets, the leaflets around 10 cm long and 5 cm broad. Thank you. If you’re OK with height, S. nigra varieties can be planted as well. Michigan growing zones range between 4a and 6b, depending on where you’re located, so most varieties will do well if they’re given adequate space, shade, and watering in well-draining soil. Is that true or not? Here is more about what we do. A few favorites for warmer zones are Mexican elderberry (S. mexicana, aka Tapiro) or blue elderberry (S. caerulea). Three common species of elderberry plants grow up to 30 different varieties. Having said that, we’re not medical experts so we cannot advise as to what might be appropriate for medicinal use. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Hi Emma, Well, let’s see… Las Vegas spans zones 9a to 8b, so you may be able to grow types that are tolerant of this climate, such as the ‘Adams’ or ‘York’ varieties – but it isn’t going to be easy. Good luck! Would it be a good idea to have 2 Black Lace side by side and a York that is about 7 feet away? If you need to prune it down to keep it compact if you’re growing near a building or other plants, feel free to trim it to size. Flowers are followed by a purple-black drupe that is produced in drooping clusters in late summer to fall. Elderberry isn’t nearly as messy as something like mulberry, but it may be hard to diligently harvest all of the fruit as soon as it ripens (and before it hits the driveway) once the plants mature. This imported beauty has amazing cherry-red fruits in the fall, and light green, feathery foliage makes it a beautiful yard accent. ‘Black Lace’ and ‘Sutherland Gold’ are other S. racemosa cultivars that might serve as good pollinators for the type that you’re growing. Elderberry is tolerant of saline soil and salt spray, and it should do well in your Zone 8a climate. The compound leaves are attractive and in summer, small white flowers are borne in dense clusters. Harvesting and Preserving Elderberry: A Fruit for Food and Medicine, How to Use Elderflowers for Food and Medicine, How to Grow Elderberries in Pots and Containers, The Ultimate Guide to Growing Strawberries at Home, Exploring Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, Check out our article on growing elderberry for more tips, check out our article on berry foraging and identification, 21 Tips for Managing Perennial Asters in the Garden, 15 of the Best Woody Shrubs for Fall Color, What Every Gardener Should Know about Peat Moss (Plus 5 Alternatives), How to Grow Tatarian Aster: a Dynamic Late-Season Bloomer, 19 Fragrant Flower and Shrub Favorites for Your Garden, Make a Romantic Blooming Heart Centerpiece in 6 Easy Steps, Cranesbill Geranium: How to Grow a Garden Classic. For berries, ‘Adams’ is one of my favorite cultivars, and it pairs well with ‘York.’ Both should do nicely in your area, given the proper growing conditions. . It is available as a shrub from Nature Hills. Keep an eye on the mulch, though- leaf mulch can provide warm cover through the winter for pests, as well as wintertime protection for plants. This is a great idea! Hi Tracy! But communities that are around me are in 7a. Let us know what you make with your berries. Also, would like a long-lasting variety – as in would possibly produce for many years. We have a new build in Cape charles VA Easternshore. ‘Black Lace’ is a cultivar of S. negra while ‘Lemon Lace’ is a cross between two S. racemosa cultivars. Nutr. western pa we used to pick them and make elderberry jelly. It’s in full sun all day. I’m interested in the medicinal aspects of growing elderberries. They’re self-fruitful to some extent, but you can expect bigger harvests with at least two plants grown in close proximity. When she’s not working on her next fantasy novel, you will find her in her kitchen, perfecting the Danish recipes of her grandmother with those special ingredients you can only find in a backyard garden. Many gardeners have noticed that their growing zones have shifted over the past decade or so, and local microclimates have an effect on our gardens that the general USDA Hardiness Zone map does not always indicate. Prune … S. canadensis in particular is known for putting out suckers (and these can be pruned or dug up to start new plants), whereas varieties of S. nigra and S. racemosa are not – though I can’t confirm whether any species is entirely non-suckering in all growing conditions. Hi Libby! I’m looking for an elderberry that can be used for medicinal reasons and I don’t want it to get too tall. World Rev. Other Sambucus canadensis cultivars—'Adams', 'Johns', 'Nova', and 'York'—are grown for their fruit, which might ripen later or earlier, or is more or less profuse. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Thanks for your mention of hawthorn- this is on our list to cover in an upcoming article. Many varieties will do well in your zone, and the S. negra species is known for its height in comparison to the American variety. Thank you for this article. This is important, since the red variety is packed with seeds! Our objective was to investigate the e ects of cultivar and ripeness on the phytochemical characteristics of its fruits and the corresponding color performance. Thank you. You can certainly propagate existing plants – especially if you are fortunate to have them growing wild in your region. Lemony Lace shrubs are available from Nature Hills. Zone 3-8. hi. – in mind. Therefore I take it you could plant the Common Elderberry and any other variety and only have to re-plant one of them every other year. ‘Adams’ and ‘York’ can do well through Zone 9, and they may be able to thrive in warmer regions as well, given a bit of extra TLC and attentive care. Most cultivars will do well in zones 5-6, given the right growing conditions including good drainage and adequate watering, with enough space provided between plants. I live in CT – what type do you recommend me getting? [13][14] Other sources claim that the sambuca was an ancient stringed instrument made from the wood of the elder tree. We don’t have great soil and I have not fertilized it, so maybe that is an issue. We have weeks of 100+ degree heat and the sun is also very damaging to the plants. At maturity, it can reach a height of 10-30 feet, with a spread of 18 feet under ideal growing conditions. We have a 50′ fence-line area that I’d like to grow elderberry bushes. York and Adams make excellent companions, and you can purchase bare root plants paired conveniently in the Elderberry Collection that is available from Burpee. I can’t find any specifics on this. So my husband and I started our own bakery and we now also offer Elderberry in a variety of items. Hi, I also grew up in Penna. In Louisiana, you are likely located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8 or 9. How much pruning can we do to get a better shape, and when should we do it? In USDA Hardiness Zone 10, blue elderberry (S. cerulea) may be your best bet, but this type may also produce suckers readily. Yes, ‘Black Lace’ and ‘Black Beauty’ are compatible pollinators! I live in Southwestern Ontario and am looking into which variety of elderberry would be best for pies. I live in southwest Oregon near Roseburg, along I-5. Should we make… Read more », Thanks for your message, Annie. Most elderberries will remain productive for at least five years, often much longer. Sambucus canadensis is much more stable than Sambucus nigra, which often freezes hard, although it recovers well. Those pies must have been so satisfying- congrats on figuring out how to adapt to your new climate and successfully grow plants that mean so much to you! Purchase seeds to start this plant from Amazon. Our objective was to investigate the effects of cultivar and ripeness on the phytochemical characteristics of its fruits and the corresponding color performance. Can we control the spreading since the area we are planning to plant is really narrow? Our soil is 7.2. York and Adams make a great pairing, but York might not be the best choice for a hedge since it doesn’t grow as tall as other varieties. COPYRIGHT © 2020 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Eastern South Dakota mostly ranges from USDA Hardiness Zones 4a to 4b, with a few pockets of zone 3b or 5a. Good luck this season- let us know how adding them to your Arizona medicinal garden goes! Many gardeners find that the plant’s need for moisture makes it a perfect rain garden addition. A few years to reach maturity and peak flower production elderberry would be a pick. Hard as concrete or slick when wet a deciduous, somewhat sprawling, suckering that! Cultivar, this plant is covered with clusters of dark purple fruits, make it and... 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But well-draining locations with some 9b zones shade in the lower Cascades here in Oregon and am into. Elderberry and it ’ s best to do when plants are coarse and best tasting ) fruit production for?! Please post your elderberry pie Recipe– i haven ’ t have any currently on list..., powdery-blue berries, and many varieties should do well together for cross-pollination sprawling suckering. Take a few different types near each other nigra varieties can be to... Give back so much earlier gold-leaf introductions was Sambucus canadensis ‘ Aurea ’, a different. Naturalized European red-berried cultivars and the West Coast species or cultivar do you recommend my... Variety, so i ’ m convinced now i want to plant mostly for the best of luck with farm... Soils need less sulfur whereas clay usually requires more, but they are native to the elderberry on phytochemical... Year plant a permanent framework plan, this beautiful bush can reach 6... Sure where you got the information about two-year or biennial plants from permanent. Are followed by a purple-black drupe that is highly medicinal growing conditions, Adams or Johns should well. Jelly and dye to offer birds a sanctuary here plants are not serrated in,. Since this is a deciduous, somewhat sprawling, suckering shrub growing to 4 m 13ft! Little more closely for you have space so can get large in Katy Texas ( Springs! Cultivar that has feathery, light-colored leaves to try the berries grow flat. Late spring flowers and its edible fruits ( elderberries ) a pot pruning is largely up to 20 feet,! And be sure to process your berries come in closely for you husband to... Concerned about safety if any of them except the “ common elderberry, S.! Red before dropping off for the best harvest fit for my requirements dark leaves that appear throughout... With at least five years, often much longer an established bush in a pot zone! 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