Wild Michigan Elderberry Plant
Description
Thrives in wet soil. Elderberries delight in wet, spongy sites where most plants won’t make it. Petite lemon-scented flowers appear in June (and make delightful tea). The purple-black fruit grows in cymes (large clusters featuring mini-branchlets that bear the fruit), making them easy to access and harvest. Grows well in partial shade. Exquisite for jelly, pie, wine, syrup and tinctures. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies (free plants!). Rejuvenate by cutting to within 4” of the ground every five years. Ripens in August. Best pollinator: any other elderberry variety. Note: This is a propagated wild berry and not a cultivar. Sambuca canadensis. Photo courtesy of B. S. Roberts.
Note: Elderberries must be cooked before consumption. Consuming fresh elderberries can be toxic. Please ensure all berries are properly prepared before use.
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Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Fruit Color | Black |
| Fruit Size | Small |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 3 - 9 |
| Pollination | Pollinator Required |
| Ripens/Harvest | August |
| Shade/Sun | Partial Shade - Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Moist |
| Soil pH Level | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 3 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow elderberry plants in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
When uncooked, elderberries contain a toxic substance that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so any preparation of elderberries you use should be cooked.
Cross-pollination by a different variety is key to its growing and bearing success. Plant one of these varieties within 100' for best pollination. Bob Gordon, Johns, Nova and Adams.
You can grow almost anything in a container! This excellent article will answer your questions and provide good advice. Please see "Growing Fruit Trees in Containers" //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-trees-in-containers-pt1
Yes, parts of the Wild Michigan Elderberry plant (Sambucus canadensis) can be toxic to animals. The unripe berries, leaves, stems, and roots of elderberry contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce cyanide when metabolized. This compound is toxic to many animals, including dogs, cats, and livestock, if consumed in significant amounts.
However, ripe, cooked elderberries are generally safe for consumption and are often used in jams and syrups. It's primarily the raw or unripe parts of the plant that pose a risk.
If you have pets or livestock that tend to chew on plants, it’s a good idea to monitor their access to elderberry plants to prevent any accidental ingestion of the toxic parts.
Yes you can Store the berries in freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. Sealing them with a vacuum sealer will help to prolong their freezer life even further. Frozen elderberries are generally good 6-10 months, but may be good for as long as a year.
Elderberry is a native plant growing bush-like to heights of 6 to 12 feet, depending on site conditions
Wild variants are better in every way in most cases with the exception of dense fruiting, since I'm not farming them it's a better option for me.
Wanted a native American Elderberry.
Intetested in health benefits and making jam or jelly from the berries