Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Loved for their showy white flower clusters, and beautiful black/purple fruits. Not to mention the immune-boosting effects of the berries. I always make a large batch of elderberry syrup to get me through cold and flu season each year. 

Note: Elderberries must be cooked before consumption. Consuming fresh elderberries can be toxic. Please ensure all berries are properly prepared before use.

Note: I suggest planting at least two varieties to ensure pollination.

Named Cultivars:

I grow these four cultivars on my property: Bob Gordon, Nova, Wyldewood, and York

Comparisons of each of these varieties (and more) can be found here.

Size/Spacing:

While different varieties are slightly different sizes, you can expect the plants to grow between 6-12' high. Regardless, all varieties are very easy to prune as a way of managing height. Space them about 6-8' apart. 

Site Preference:

These are quite hardy plants. I've often had success growing them by simply just shoving a hardwood stake in the ground in early spring. Mature plants can be cut back to the ground in the fall and will still put on 10+ feet of growth in the following summer. They will produce best in full sun on a site with rich, well-drained soil. They will still produce fine with some shade and with harsher soil conditions. As with most plants, mulching goes a long way. 6-12" of mulch has kept all of my plants alive through some hard Pennsylvania droughts.

Hardiness:

Up to Zone 4.