Elderberries have a long history of uses as both medicine and food. For centuries they were used in folk medicine for a variety of illnesses and ailments, but they have only recently gained popularity in the United States.
Elderberries have a long history of uses as both medicine and food. For centuries they were used in folk medicine for a variety of illnesses and ailments, but they have only recently gained popularity in the United States.
Elderberry fruit is known to be high in vitamins A and C, phosphorus, potassium and iron. It is also rich in antioxidants and has immune supporting properties.
Elderberry fruit is known to be high in vitamins A and C, phosphorus, potassium and iron. It is also rich in antioxidants and has immune supporting properties.
There is growing interest in planting elderberry in order to harvest the edible fruit and flowers, though it should be noted that most parts of the plant are poisonous and berries must be cooked to be safe to eat Elderberry shrubs are also beautiful landscape plants that make excellent additions to rain gardens and shrub borders.
There is growing interest in planting elderberry in order to harvest the edible fruit and flowers, though it should be noted that most parts of the plant are poisonous and berries must be cooked to be safe to eat Elderberry shrubs are also beautiful landscape plants that make excellent additions to rain gardens and shrub borders.
Identification
Two species of elderberry are commonly grown in gardens and landscapes: American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and European elderberry (Sambucus nigra). American elderberry is native to New Hampshire and can be found growing in moist soils at forest or wetland edges.
IdentificationTwo species of elderberry are commonly grown in gardens and landscapes: American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and European elderberry (Sambucus nigra). American elderberry is native to New Hampshire and can be found growing in moist soils at forest or wetland edges.
Planting
Elderberries are very easy to grow as long as they are planted in the right situation. They grow very well in consistently moist, fertile soils.
PlantingElderberries are very easy to grow as long as they are planted in the right situation. 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.
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. To get the most flowers and berries, plant elderberries in full sun. Partial shade can be tolerated if you are growing the plant for its decorative foliage.
As for pH, the soil can be either acidic or alkaline, though slightly acidic (5.5 to 6.5) is ideal. To get the most flowers and berries, plant elderberries in full sun. Partial shade can be tolerated if you are growing the plant for its decorative foliage.
Plant elderberries in the ground at the same depth as their roots. Elderberries are shallow-rooted, so keep them well watered through the first growing season.
Plant elderberries in the ground at the same depth as their roots. Elderberries are shallow-rooted, so keep them well watered through the first growing season.