Sambucus canadensis8-12' × same. Seedling of Adams 2. Kentville, Nova Scotia, 1960.
High-yielding cultivar popular with market growers in Canada. Selected for high levels of sugar compared to other elders. Berries are on the small side.
Showing serious vigor in our trials. Z4. Maine Grown. (1–3' shrubs)
Items from our perennial plants warehouse ordered
on or before March 7 will ship around March 26
through late April, starting with warmer areas and finishing in
colder areas. Orders placed after March 7 will
ship around late April through early-to-mid May, in the order in
which they were received.
ships in spring
7432
Scotia
Additional Information
American Black Elderberry
This species is native to North America. Hardier than the European Sambucus nigra, and fruits on first-year wood.
Elderberries Sambucus spp.
Elderberry trees appear in myths from days of yore, thought
to possess magical and protective powers. Dangling clusters of edible
purple-black berries ripen in late summer on this broad vigorous
multi-stemmed shrub. The fruit is highly nutritious and medicinal. A century
ago, every grandmother knew how to make the perfect elderberry pie. Recipes
for jam could be found in all the old farm cookbooks. Elderberries have made
a big comeback as folks rediscover the scrumptiousness of elderberry jelly,
cordial, elixir and wine. The large creamy-white flower clusters, or cymes,
that cover the shrub in early summer make delicious fritters. Dry them for a
fragrant wintertime cold-and-flu remedy tea. For centuries, humans have used
this plant’s medicinal qualities to treat a wide range of ailments and
to boost the immune system. Hippocrates is said to have called the elder
tree his “medicine chest.” Birds love the fruit, and the
blossoms attract beneficial insects and pollinators. No serious pest or
disease issues. Note: Cooking elderberries is essential to breaking
down
toxic cyanide-inducing glycosides in the seeds. Not for fresh
eating.
American Black Elderberry S.
canadensis
This species is native to North America. Hardier than the
European Sambucus nigra, and fruits on first-year wood.
European Elderberry S. nigra
This species is native to Europe. The medicinal berries are
extremely high in immune-boosting anthocyanins. You can use them in all of
the same wonderful ways you would use the canadensis species. More
tender than canadensis, but ours in Zone 4 seem to be almost as
hardy. Note that nigras produce on second-year wood—prune
accordingly.
Growing Elderberries
Soil: Adaptable and low maintenance, but prefers moist
fertile soil. Can tolerate drier soil, poor drainage and even temporary
flooding.
Sun: Full, but will tolerate some shade.
Pollination: Self-fruitful, but plant more than one
variety for better yields. Canadensis and nigra species will pollinate
each other.
Spacing: 6–8' apart.
Planting: Add plenty of compost to the planting hole;
sidedress with compost every spring. Mulch with a thick layer of hay,
leaves or wood chips to control weeds and protect shallow roots. Do not
invite the elderberry borer by allowing sod to grow at the base of the
plant!