Elderberry Seeds
(Sambucus canadensis). Deciduous. Zones 4-8.
Elderberry, commonly called Black Elder, is a beautiful and useful plant - a wonderful addition to any garden! If you like to grow medicinal plants, Elderberry is a must-have shrub.
In June, Elderberry’s tiny lemon-scented white flowers appear in clusters, and in late summer flowers give way to clusters of deep purple-black elderberry fruits on violet stems. Its showy, flat-topped flower clusters attract birds and butterflies. If you plan to harvest the fruits, be sure to protect them from hungry birds, deer, and other wildlife!
The health benefits of Elderberry are endless! It can aid digestion, lower cholesterol, protect cardiovascular health, support the respiratory system, soothe inflammation, regulate insulin levels, strengthen bones, and make your skin glow. Elderberry is traditionally made into syrup and taken medicinally to support the immune system, especially through the winter months.
Once established, it grows quickly and can reach up to 12 feet. It makes a wonderful living, edible hedge or shrub level companion in a permaculture landscape.
Fruits and flowers are also used to make jams, jellies, elderberry wine, and elderflower cordial.
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 - 8
Edible: Yes, when cooked.
Size: Medium Shrub
Growth Rate: Fast
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Native Plant: Yes
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Tolerates a variety of soils, including medium to wet.
Germination: 70 - 90%
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak Seeds 24 hrs. Follow with 60 days warm, moist stratification, followed by 120 days cold, moist stratification. For more information on stratification, check out our article "How To Stratify Tree Seeds".
*If you are doing the cold period in your fridge, please check on your seeds. 120 is an estimate & they may sprout sooner!*
- Plant stratified seeds in pots or a nursery bed using standard potting soil. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
