Elderberry Tree

Elderberry Trees produce delcious, small, dark purple berries that can be used for jams, syrups, wines, and natural remedies. This fast-growing shrub or small tree typically reaches 6–12 feet in height, producing clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring that brighten your landscape and attract pollinators. By mid to late summer, these blossoms give way to the rich, dark purple elderberries. Elderberry trees thrive in a wide range of soil types and conditions while providing food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects. Its multi-season interest—from showy flowers to luscious berries—makes it a rewarding addition for gardeners seeking beauty, productivity, and a touch of wildlife-friendly charm.

Also Known As: Elder, Sambucus, American Elderberry, European Elderberry, Black Elder, Bore Tree, Holunder, Elder Flower, Elder Fruit, Common Elder.

Plant Name:	Tree, Elderberry
Latin Name:	Sambucus canadensis
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	1 - 3 Years
Plant Height:	5 - 12 Feet
Spread:	5 - 12 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 6 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require warm, moist stratification followed by cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To warm-stratify seeds, lightly moisten a mix of peat or sand and place the seeds inside a sealed plastic bag with the medium. Keep the seeds in a warm spot (around 70F-86F / 20C-30C) for 30-60 days. Check periodically to ensure the medium stays damp but not soggy. After the warm period, move the mixture to a refrigerator for the cold stratification, keeping the seeds at 35F-40F for 90-120 days. After the stratification period, sow seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, keeping the soil moist, or directly sow outdoors in prepared soil.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: The two-step stratification process (warm followed by cold) can be attempted by sowing the seeds in late summer for natural stratification but this may result in a lower success rate than indoor stratification prior to sowing.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6-12 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	12 feet

Care During the Season:

Elderberry Trees prefer consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells, as elderberries prefer evenly watered conditions. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and remove any competing plants that may hinder growth. Feed with a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to support vigorous foliage and berry production. Prune out dead or weak canes after fruiting to encourage strong new growth and maintain good air circulation. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or spider mites, treating them early if needed, and enjoy the abundant blossoms and berries as they come.

Harvesting:

Harvest elderberries when the berry clusters turn deep purple to nearly black, usually from late summer into early fall, and make sure they are fully ripe since unripe berries are not safe to eat. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut entire clusters from the plant rather than picking individual berries, which helps prevent damage and makes processing easier. Place the clusters gently into a basket or container, avoiding crushing the fruit. Once indoors, remove the berries from their stems by lightly freezing the clusters or gently pulling them off by hand. Use the freshly harvested berries right away for jams, syrups, or wines, or freeze them for later use.

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