Elderberries are North American native shrubs with large, white flower clusters and big bunches of small, dark berries. Elderberry fruit is known for its immune boosting qualities. Other benefits of the berries, is that they have anti-carcinogen, anti-oxidant properties, and are very high in Vitamin C. A good choice for treating a cold. Fruits are used for wine, juice, and jelly. The flower clusters of the elderberry plant are used as a vegetable that can be dipped in batter and fried as fritters. The elderberry bush has very dependable fruit production due to late bloom in June. It's not bothered by insects or diseases. Quick to grow to mature height of 6-8 ft.
Plant availability by Season
Fall
Winter / Spring
Summer
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Dark purple foliage in spring followed by large clusters of pink buds in summer, opening to fragrant pink edible flowers. Black fruits in August and September. Black Tower Elderberry is more compact than species, typically 3-4 feet width, heigth ranging from 6-8 feet. Sun or shade tolerant.
Wyldewood elderberry has medium to large black berries. They develop on large flower clusters, nearly a foot across, on new shoots. A very productive variety found in Oklahoma.
Came from an abandoned homestead and was planted in the late 1800's. A determinate variety that is more tolerant of drought and harder soils. Short season bearer. Ranch Elderberry is a compact shrub that grows to about 5 ft. Similar to Nova and York and is a good pollinator for both. Zone 3-8.
