What is a Sambucus?
Elderberry ( Sambucus) is a large bush or shrub that is native to the U.S. and Europe. The bush produces bluish-black fruit in bunches that are used in wines, juices, jellies, and jams. The berries themselves are quite bitter, so they are rarely eaten by themselves. Interested in growing your own elderberries? Read on for more information.
Is there a black lace Sambucus?
Noted for its dramatic foliage, award-winning Sambucus nigra Black Lace® (Elderberry) is a large, upright, deciduous shrub adorned with a striking lacy foliage of deeply dissected, purple black leaves from spring to fall. In early summer, a profusion of lemon-scented umbels packed with creamy pink flowers are on display.
What does a many stem suckering shrub look like?
This many-stemmed suckering shrub forms large, dense colonies, or may be a 30 foot tree under the right conditions. It has large, pinnately compound leaves with bright green, smooth and lustrous leaflets.
Is Sambucus and elderberry the same?
Elderberry refers to several varieties of the Sambucus tree, which has clusters of white flowers and black or blue-black berries. The most common type is Sambucus nigra, also known as European elderberry or black elderberry.
Where do elderberries grow in the US?
The American elderberry [Sambucus nigra ssp canadensis], is a species native to a large area of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, and south through eastern Mexico and Central America to Panama. It can grow in a variety of conditions including both wet and dry soils, primarily in sunny locations.
Does elderflower grow in the US?
Common elderberry or American elder (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis or just Sambucus canadensis) is a shrub that's commonly found throughout most of North America. Its characteristic cream-colored flowers, or elderflowers, are often seen on the road-side in late spring and early summer.
Where do elderberry plants grow best?
They grow very well in consistently moist, fertile soils. They can tolerate occasional drought and temporarily wet soils but aren't a good choice for sandy or marshy spots. As for pH, the soil can be either acidic or alkaline, though slightly acidic (5.5 to 6.5) is ideal.
Is Sambucus poisonous to dogs?
Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) The ripe black berries themselves are very nutritious and safe for your dog, but be aware that the leaves, stems, unripe fruit and the root are all poisonous to both dogs and humans as they contain cyanide, albeit in very small quantities.
Can you eat elderberries right off the bush?
Elderberries need to be cooked, dried, or processed in some way before they can be consumed safely. Like many other parts of the plant, the berries are mildly toxic when eaten raw. While eating a few raw ones won't kill you, it will likely leave you with an unpleasant stomach ache and some unfortunate nausea.
Is American elder the same as elderberry?
In general, American elder refers to the North American shrub (Sambucus canadensis), and elderberry tree is used for the non-native tree (Sambucus nigra), which can grow more than 20 feet tall and equally wide. Elderberries are native to North and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, northern Africa and Tasmania.
What happens if you eat raw elderberries?
Side effects of raw elderberries People can eat elderflowers raw or cooked. However, raw elderberries, as well as the seeds, leaves, and bark of the tree, contain a toxic substance. Eating or drinking raw elderberries or another toxic part of the plant can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What plant looks like elderberry but is poisonous?
Aralia spinosaElderberry look-alikes Pokeweed is highly toxic and is reported to have a highly unpleasant taste — make sure you steer clear of these berries. The second look-alike plant is called devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa); these berries are similar in appearance to elderberries, but the main stem has large thorns.
Do you need 2 elderberry bushes to get fruit?
You need two different varieties of elderberries from the same genus to get fruit. This means two different types of Sambucus Nigra or Sambucus Canadensis for cross-pollination and a fruit-bearing crop.
Is elderberry toxic?
In all varieties of elderberry, the seeds, stems, leaves and roots are considered toxic. Ingestion of any parts of the elderberry plant may induce nausea, vomiting, loose stools and possibly coma due to the cyanide-inducing glycoside that resides within the plant. Hospitalization may be necessary for those affected.
Do elderberry plants spread?
Elderberry plants spread via it's root system, every spring the plant sends up new shoots a bit further from the original base. Thus a plant that once took up a two foot circle can expand greatly over the years as the root system spreads. A lawn mower can easily keep this in check.
Can I eat raw elderberries?
People can eat elderflowers raw or cooked. However, raw elderberries, as well as the seeds, leaves, and bark of the tree, contain a toxic substance. Eating or drinking raw elderberries or another toxic part of the plant can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Do you need 2 elderberry bushes to get fruit?
You need two different varieties of elderberries from the same genus to get fruit. This means two different types of Sambucus Nigra or Sambucus Canadensis for cross-pollination and a fruit-bearing crop.
Where can you find elderberries?
Where can I find elderberries? Elder trees grow in woodlands, hedgerows, scrub and wasteland. They may also be found along road verges and often crop up in gardens.
Can you make money selling elderberry?
“Elderberries have this great potential as a 'win-win' crop. Farmers harvesting and selling elderberries from their hedgerows can receive a direct income from a farm practice that benefits the local ecosystem,” says Brodt. Consumer demand for elderberry-based products has skyrocketed in recent years.
What is an American elderberry?
Back to Top. The American elderberry, sometimes known as the common elderberry, is a deciduous shrub with bright white flowers and small, dark berries. Known by many different names, including black elderberry and American black elderberry, this shrub makes a lovely addition to any garden or landscape thanks to its lush green leaves, ...
How to propagate elderberry?
Elderberry can be propagated by taking cuttings and rooting them. Use rooting hormone, to protect them from bacteria and fungus. Keep cuttings in a jar filled with clean water, for at least two months. Refill the water as needed, mist occasionally.
What is an elderberry?
American Elderberry Varieties. 'Aurea' cultivar': a shrub with yellow leaves, and red fruit instead of black. 'Adams No. 1,' 'Adams No. 2,' 'York,' and 'Johns': produce an abundance of large drupes, and are cultivars most used if you're cooking the fruit.
Can elderberry be grown in full sun?
Though it can handle it all, it prefers a spot that boasts full sun or partial shade.
Is American elderberry picky?
American elderberry isn't picky about its temperature conditions, given its wide range of hardiness zones. That being said, it's a plant that would much rather be cool and moist than hot and dry. Though it prefers temperate weather, it does not have any special humidity needs—but it loves rain !
How to Grow Elderberry Plants
Growing elderberries is not all that difficult. They can tolerate different conditions like poor soil or overly wet areas. One thing growing elderberries cannot tolerate, however, is drought.
Care of Elderberries
After you have done your elderberry planting, you should weed once in a while, but do so carefully. You do not want to disturb the roots. Use mulch where it is necessary to prevent weed growth, and pluck weeds that manage to sneak through.
How long does it take for elderberries to grow?
American elderberries have a moderate growth rate, growing 6 to 12 feet tall within three years of planting. These plants spread through suckers to become a dense hedge. They typically begin producing fruit within two to three years of planting, as well.
What is the best elderberry to grow with Johns?
When choosing plants for your landscape, select two varieties of elderberry to increase fruit yields. "Adams" pairs well with "Johns," while "York" and "Nova" are ideal companions. European elderberries (Sambucus nigra) bloom earlier in the spring and grow much larger than their American cousins, depending on the variety.
How tall do elderberry shrubs grow?
"Adams" (Sambucus canadensis "Adams") and "Johns" (Sambucus canadensis "Johns") American elderberry shrubs grow 8 to 12 feet tall and wide, while "York" (Sambucus canadensis "York") and "Nova" (Sambucus candensis "Nova") are compact plants that grow only 6 feet fall, according to the National Gardening Association.
Why are elderberry shrubs considered weeds?
In fact, early settlers thought of them as weeds because they were once so prolific.
Which is better, Sambucus canadensis or Sambucus nigra?
But, if you want to harvest elderberries for the production of food and drink, the American elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis) is a better choice than the European type ( Sambucus nigra ). Because of their interesting leaves, the European type is superior as a foliage plant for the landscape. The plant is suitable for use in woodland gardens, in ...
What type of soil does Black Lace Elderberry prefer?
The Black Lace elderberry bush tolerates clay soil types better than many shrubs, but performs better over time if planted in soil that drains well.
Can elderberry be grown in full sun?
Light. In the North, while Black Lace elderberry will tolerate partial shade, it will produce more flowers and more attractive foliage color if grown in full sun. At the southern end of its range, it will benefit from afternoon shade.
