Elderberry Plants

Elderberry plants (Sambucus canadensis) are truly multi-purpose. Growing your own offers many unique benefits. You can plant several in a row to create an attractive hedge or screen, or you can use them as wildlife attractants that will bring even more natural beauty to your backyard. In spring, an elderberry plant features magnificently scented white flowers and, in summer, it will produce a bounty of dark purple-black berries that you won’t find in many grocery stores. The berries from the elderberry plants we offer can be eaten fresh as long as they are fully ripe, although they are commonly used for making delicious wines, jams, sauces, and pies. You can also use the flowers for making fritters, pancakes, or tea. In addition, you can craft combs, spindles, or pegs from the hard wood and create basketry dyes with the twigs and fruit.

To ensure your growing success and satisfaction, there are a few things to consider when shopping for an elderberry plant.

Zone Compatibility

Your climate plays an important role in whether elderberry plants will produce fruit or even survive. Before ordering a plant, make sure its recommended hardiness zone range includes your area.

Proper Pollination

Pollination by a different variety is key to the success of elderberry plants. Often, its absence is why plants produce poorly or don’t bear fruit. Be sure to check the description of the plant you’re interested in to see which pollinators our experts suggest.