Black Elderberry

STATS:

Native shrub

Light— part shade to full sun

Height— 5-12 ft

Spread— 5-12 ft

Bloom Time— July-Aug

Bloom Colour— white
**The shape attracts small native bees

Fragrant— yes

Fruit— black, purple

Leaf— green

Autumn Foliage— yes

Tolerates— heat, drought, soil compaction… a wide variety of wet to dry soils (prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil)… use as erosion control

Native Habitat— alluvial (moist) forests; bogs; ditches; streams; ponds; drier, old fields… edges of riparian thickets

CARE:

Water— 1″ of water per week for 1st growing season (until 1st frost)

Soil fertility— late winter-early spring before they break dormancy, 2-3″ layer of compost around trunk (no-till, let nature do the work)…
top-dress with a 3”layer of wood chips/mulch (NOT habitat-destroying cypress mulch)…
Repeat steps yearly.

Pruning— optional… during dormancy, can be trimmed to 3-6’ for heavier berry production/ ease of harvesting… may be cut to ground every other year to keep in check

Pests and diseases— none significant

BENEFITS:

Wildlife value— berries are relished by many bird species & mammals… deer also browse twigs and leaves

Attracts— birds
30 native birds that eat the fruits

Value to Beneficial Insects— provides nesting materials/structure for native bees

Supports Conservation Biological Control— attracts predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon pest insects

Nectar Source— butterflies & moths

Wild edible—
see STEP 4: HARVESTING ELDERBERRIES AND ELDERFLOWERS, storing, recipes, nutrition/medicinal— high in antioxidants

Live plant, available for in-person purchase only

Contact us for details