American Black Elderberry (Native)

Description

Is the American Black Elderberry right for you?

The American Black Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is beloved for its nutrient and antioxidant-rich berries. They are packed full of immune-boosting properties and are known to ease cold and flu symptoms and reduce stress and inflammation. There’s even some research that they protect your heart as well!

Most describe elderberry flavor as a mix between blackberries and blueberries. They are ripe for the picking between August and September. My fruit does need to be cooked before consumed to prevent toxicity but can be used in jams, jellies, pies, and other recipes.

However, that’s not all there is to love about this amazing shrub.  Around June, the American elder will reward you with a ton of yellowish-white flower clusters that have a slightly lemony scent! This plant is not just functional, it’s also beautiful.

For the best yield of fruit, you will need 2 elderberries of different varieties within the same genus. Ours are Sambucus canadensis so compatible elderberries would be those like Adams or Johns. Both varieties are great producers!  (We may soon grow these as well…stay tuned!)

Mature size: 5 – 12 feet tall and 5 – 12 feet in spread

Sun requirements: In general, elderberries like full sun (8+ hours).  However, due to our scorching summer heat, a part sun location with dappled afternoon shade should work just fine.

Water & soil:  I prefer moist, well-draining soil. I don’t like to completely dry out.  A good rule of thumb is one inch of water per week.  Additional irrigation is only needed when there hasn’t been sufficient rainfall.  Once established (3+ years old), I am much more drought and heat tolerant. The best pH for elderberries is generally between 5.5 and 6.5 but a variety of soil conditions can be tolerated.

Fertilizer: I can benefit from a balanced fertilizer. 10-10-10 applied in early spring (before flowering) typically works well. Occasionally adding coffee grounds to the soil can be helpful too as this increases the amount of nitrogen available to your shrub.  When is extra nitrogen needed?  If you are noticing that your elderberry isn’t producing much new growth, a deficiency in nitrogen is a leading candidate for what’s to blame!

Pruning: In general, no pruning is recommended until your elderberry is 2 to 3 years old.  Past that point, however, it is good to prune them to keep the shape and size of this shrub under control.  Pruning is best done during dormancy, in late winter or very early spring.  Light pruning and shaping is best before 5 years of age.  For elderberries 5 and older, hard cutbacks may be needed

Spread Prevention: American black elderberries do spread through their roots.  To prevent this, pull up any new shoots or mow them down.  It’s fairly easy to start a new shrub with those shoots so that’s an option as well!

Pests & Disease: Thankfully, these bushes are fairly pest & disease resistant.  They can get powdery mildew, aphids, and spider mites, which are all common.  Any of these issues can be treated easily with neem or insecticides.

More good news – American black elderberries tend to be deer resistant!