Elderberry
Sambucus spp.
Valuable ornamental and fruiting plants, Elderberries can fit into almost everyone's landscape. We feature several unique and attractive forms of these easy to grow shrubs. Elderberry fruit is used to make juice, wine, baked goods and preserves, and it is also prized by birds and other wildlife. Elderberries are adaptable to a wide range of soils and are not bothered by pests or diseases. Plant two different varieties for best crops.
American Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
This American native features huge clusters of white flowers, large clusters of bluish-black berries and exotic, tropical-looking foliage. The tasty berries are great for pies, jelly and wine. Hardy to minus 30°F. and easy-to-grow, these plants make a striking addition to any garden or landscape. Plant two varieties for cross-pollination.
Bob Gordon
A unique, new American Elderberry selection found in the wild in Missouri, Bob Gordon features spectacular, 2 foot diameter flower heads followed by profuse, jet black berries. These sweet and flavorful berries are good for fresh eating and make delicious juice, wine and preserves. Bob Gordon is unusual in that it can bear fruit on current season's growth. Cut or mow it to the ground in the fall and harvest fruit the next year.
6104
Nova
Nova displays huge clusters of creamy white flowers in late spring followed by abundant, very dark blue berries. Nova grows 6 to 8 feet in height and is hardy to minus 30°F.
6125
Ranch
This valuable variety was found in the wild in Missouri. A more compact plant than most American Elderberry varieties, it is easy to grow and harvest. Ranch is an attractive shrub with very large, early blooming flower clusters and heavy crops of flavorful, dark purple berries. Good for fresh eating, juice, wine and preserves.
6128
York
York's very large clusters of creamy white flowers in late spring are followed by huge crops of purplish-black, large berries in late summer. York also features lovely yellow fall foliage. A small shrub growing 6 to 8 feet in height, York is hardy to minus 30°F.
6140
