Elderberries...
hazelinok
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (21)
luvncannin
6 years agoNancy RW (zone 7)
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Black Lace Elderberry
Comments (15)Interesting the very different experiences folks are having with this shrub. So I thought I would add my two cents from Toronto. I have two in my front garden (one of either side of the front walk), which is part sun and clay soil with lots of organic content. And they are excellent. I keep them relatively small with regular pinching, but I let them go a bit this Spring so I would get flowers and there are dozens on each shrub (still only about three inches across but growing everyday). They are bullet-proof and vigorous, for me, and their colour and form and highly dissected leaves are not easily replaceable. I have them with (among others) Liberty hosta, pincushion boxwood, Rozanne Geranium, Jack Frost Brunnera, Full Moon Maple, Krossa Regal and Blue Mammoth hostas, and Incrediball hydrangeas. I love the mix but it would be boring without the contrast this shrub brings, which makes everything around it pop. If I can figure out how to post pictures someday, I will....See MoreAny difference between native and european elderberries?
Comments (7)Cut & paste from an older post of mine... Common elderberry, AKA American black elederberry, (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis), is native to the Eastern U.S. and grows as a bush to 6-8 feet. The European elderberry, Sambucus nigra, is more upright/tree-like, but about the same height. These both have dark purple berries. There is also Sambucus nigra subsp. cerulea, which has blue berries and is native to the West -- I've never seen one. There is also a completely different species, Sambucus racemosa, that has poisonous red berries (not purple or blue) that are NOT edible due to higher levels of cyanide (not sure if OK after cooking). For common elderberries, fruit quality depends on cultivar, although even the "ornamental" cultivars produce usable fruit. It's recommended to cook them due to cyanide content -- the toxicity is low, but eating the raw fruit can cause nausea (how much it takes varies person to person). Cooked berries are safe and make great jelly, syrup, and wine. The flower clusters can be fried....See MoreRed Elderberry X pollinate Blue Elderberry???
Comments (2)You are in a much warmer zone than I am, but in my garden, the red elderberry (Sambucus pubens /aka S. racemosa) blooms decidedly earlier than the American elderberry (S. canadensis), which has dark, purplish-red berries and is used for jam. I grow the former one for the birds. Are you referring to S. caerulea when you say "blue elderberry" or S. canadensis? We don't grow caerulea here....See MoreLeaf spot or lack of water on Black Lace elderberry?
Comments (2)To be honest it’s barely visible and I’d just put it down to normal natural wear and tear. But I am curious about the circle of dead grass at the base. Is that a mulch or has a herbicide been used?...See Moreluvncannin
6 years agoNancy RW (zone 7)
6 years agoluvncannin
6 years agoNancy RW (zone 7)
6 years agohazelinok
6 years agojacoblockcuff (z5b/6a CNTRL Missouri
6 years agohazelinok
6 years agoNancy RW (zone 7)
6 years agoEmbothrium
6 years agookoutdrsman
6 years agoOkiedawn OK Zone 7
6 years agookoutdrsman
6 years agohazelinok
6 years agookoutdrsman
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoNancy RW (zone 7)
6 years agoluvncannin
6 years agoOkiedawn OK Zone 7
6 years agookoutdrsman
6 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Sambucus Nigra
Common elderberry is a highly adaptable shrub from the eastern U.S., with berries galore for wildlife and humans alike
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Sambucus Nigra Caerulea for the Birds
Blue elderberry is a favorite of birds and other wildlife in its native California
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSGrow Herbs for Fresh Flavor and Good Looks in the Garden
With sun and a patch of ground, you can have all the fresh flavor you need for cooking right outside your door. Here's how to get started
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES8 New Ways to Garden This Year
A successful garden means knowing the plants, the wildlife and yourself
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding
It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES12 Japanese Maples for a Sunny Garden
The right maple in the right place shines in hot summer sun
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGarden-Friendly Native Alternatives to Overplanted Exotics
There are lots of gorgeous, wildlife-friendly native plants ready to make an appearance in your garden
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BIRDSFeed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries
Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Top Native Plants for Northern California Gardens
Enjoy a fuss-free, water-wise garden by growing plants naturally in tune with the climate and wildlife of Northern California
Full StoryINSPIRING GARDENSFrom Concrete Lot to Gracious Organic Garden in Seattle
Plants, pests and even weeds have a place in this landscape, which offers an edible bounty and a feast for the eyes
Full StorySponsored
sonni1