Sambucus canadensis

Huge flat clusters of tiny white flowers are followed by a heavy crop of shiny black fruit. The American Elderberry is a large growing native deciduous shrub whose cooked fruit and flowers are used to create healthy and delicious confections, syrup, jelly, wine and more. The nectar rich flower clusters host a wide variety of pollinators and its ripe fruit is sure to attract a host of bird species. Elderberries are dioecious, both male and female at the same time, and may be semi-self fertile but it is best to plant at least two for cross pollination and the heaviest crops. Occasionally we pick the large ripe fruit clusters whole as a treat for our chickens.

We were fond of elderberry bushes when we'd float by them in a canoe - all in flower during summer paddles on Georgia rivers. Then we learned the dried berries can be steeped in vodka for a medicinal concoction and we had to plant a few for ourselves. We planted four by the driveway and last summer harvested some fruit clusters - I must admit that I didn't actually make anything out of them, but I did have the satisfaction of "I could if I wanted to." We found the experience so rewarding that we've propagated off those shrubs and have them here for you. They are super fast growing! We recommend planting in pairs for cross-pollination and best fruit set, exactly like the protocol for planting blueberries and other fruits. To that end, we grow two types 'Raab' and 'Bob Gordon'. If you order two, we'll send you one of each. If you order one, just let us know which one you want. 'Raab' is known to be a better pollinator and 'Bob Gordon' is know for fantastic fruit production.

Feather-like compound leaves grace this deciduous shrub, providing outstanding nesting cover for songbirds. Clusters of numerous small white flowers emerge in early to mid-summer, with dark blue fruits ripening late summer through September. Common Elderberry fruit is prized by birds as well as makers of wine and jellies. Spreads by roots to form thickets. Zones 3 - 7.

Large flat topped clusters of sm fragrant white flowers in spring followed by big clusters of dark purple to black berry-like fruits in late summer to fall. Great food source for birds and wildlife. Likes full sun to lt shade and hardy in zones 3-9. Matures to 8-10'. The fruit is excellent in making juices and jellies which are high in vitamin C.