Plants will ship Mid-March 🙂
Elderberry, European Black (Black Elderberry) (Sambucus nigra) potted shrub, organic
$21.00
Family: Honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae)
Hardy to Zones 4 to 8
(Black Elder, Elder Berry, European Black Elderberry) Perennial, deciduous, multistemmed shrub to small tree native to Europe. Wild form. The berries are large and tasty–best choice for herbal use. European black elderberries are self-fertile. Even so, growing three of them instead of just one is going to result in better genetic stability and an increase in fruit production. They do not need a “pollinator” of a different type, that is a requirement that has come along with excessive selection of elderberry cultigens and does not apply to these open-pollinated wild form elderberries. Traditional usage (TWM): Colds, flu, immune enhancement. Source of anthocyanins, bioflavonoids, vitamins and antioxidants. The syrup, tincture or glycerite of these berries is excellent for treating the common cold and for overall increase in immunity. Elderberries prefer rich, moist soil in the part shade to sun. They are best placed as an understory to a higher tree canopy. Cage to protect from deer during first few years of growth. Elderberries appreciate frequent watering and spring application of nitrogen-rich compost or composted manure, applied within the dripline. Space trees 15 feet apart.
Potted shrub, 3-year-old, from seed, 4-inch deep pot, certified organically grown
Only 10 left in stock
Shane –
I have seen one growing here in the shade at a school. Our temps get up to 120 during the summers.
The area I want to put them in is shaded against a south facing wall fence. Will this still thrive.?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Shane, Thanks for writing. Probably what you saw was Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) which is both heat and drought-tolerant. Our European Elderberry would burn up there. Richo
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Linda –
Hi I live in zone 4 in central Alberta and would like to grow my own elderberry. There is snow on the ground right now so would I just grow in the house until spring. Thanks
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Richo Cech –
Hi Linda,
Thanks for staying in touch. Elderberry requires a cold dormancy so overwintering indoors is usually unproductive. Please be aware that we cannot ship plants to Canada although we can readily send you newly harvested European Black Elderberry seeds.
Richo
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gaiagruuv –
Warm greetings, Richo and all,
This is not a review, but rather a question:
I would like to order 3 Black Elderberry seedlings. I see that there are 2 listings on your website for European Black Elderberry plants, Sambucus nigra.
One is titled:
Elderberry, European Black (Black Elderberry) (Sambucus nigra) shrub in a 9-inch pot, organic
$31.00
and the second:
Elderberry, European Black (Black Elderberry) (Sambucus nigra) potted shrub, organic
$31.00
Do these two offerings differ from one another, or are they the same?
Thanks!
Live long and prosper!
Robin Davis
Arlington, VA
USDA Zones 7a/7b
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Richo Cech –
Hello Robin,Thanks for contacting. The difference is that the 9-inchers were propagated from cuttings and the 4-inch potted shrubs at this link https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/elderberry-black-sambucus-nigra-potted-plant-organic/
are seedgrown. The 9-inchers are out of stock and we still have the 4-inchers in stock. The 4-inchers look small but they will grow fast when up-potted. Richo
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Yasmin (verified owner) –
Hi i can eat the berries correct and make tea with the flowers?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Yasmin, Thanks for contacting. Elderberry is multifunctional. The ancients used mainly the bark and leaves. The flowers can indeed be made into tea or tincture. The berries are best juiced and the seeds removed, as the seeds themselves do contain cyanogenic glycosides. Cooking also neutralizes the deleterious principles. Read more about all this in “Growing Plant Medicine Vol 2.” All the best, Richo
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Luba –
Do you need two plants?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Luba, The European black elderberry is self-fertile and one plant will produce flowers and fruits. However, more fruits can be expected if several are grown in close proximity. I normally plant in groups of 3 (or more). Richo
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Alyssa (verified owner) –
Hi Richo, I ordered two black elderberry from you (waiting for May to receive them) and I have a spot near my driveway that I think they would like to reside. However, it would be near my water main. Do you think the roots will play nice in this area or should I find someplace else to plant?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Alyssa, this sounds like good placement. I haven’t ever noticed a problem with black elderberry roots. Richo
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popina72 –
Hi,
Are these self fertile or do you need to have 2?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Popina, Thanks for writing! Although you’ll get a decent berry set with 1, you get even more if yuou have 2 or 3. They don’t have to be different species. Richo
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Richo Cech –
hi betty, it really depends on how you prune them, how much moisture and nitrogen they get, whether they’re in the shade or sun, etc. The ones we grow here reach about 15 feet tall and equally as wide. thats why we recommend spacing them at 15 feet apart. richo
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Tina Giles –
How long will it be before fruit when buying shrub instead of seeds? Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Tina,
At this point our shrubs are 2 plus years old from seed. that means buying the plant saves you 3 years over planting from seeds, due to the fact that it takes the seeds about 6 months to come up, so that needs to be added into the equation. How long does it take an elderberrry to produce flowers and seeds? That is dependent on local conditions and cultivation techniques. I planted some of our sturdy plants and kept them well-manured and moist in the shade and they flowered and fruited in the second year after planting. People living in the humid midwest might find them flowering in the first year. richo
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Karen –
I live in Maine eould I keep this potted until the spring or plant it now in the fall? Thank you
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Richo Cech –
Hi Karen,
I think in the colder zones it makes more sense to plant to landscape in the spring. Yes, you can keep it potted up and left in a sheltered location like cold greenhouse to overwinter, then plant in the spring when the buds swell. r
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JACQUELINE BUSTAMANTE –
I would like to purchase a Black Elderberry shrub but not sure if this would make it in the temperatures we have….currently 102 in Las Cruces, NM would this make it….this is the only shrub I really want for it’s medicinal uses….thank you….
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Richo Cech –
hi jacqueline, elderberry is both heat and drought tolerant once established. it will need to be watered and shaded for starters. yes, hot right now, that’s why we aren’t shipping until september! i recommend our elderberries, they are very robust in 9 inch pots. richo
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martha apaza (verified owner) –
I got my elderberry plants. Says to plant in gallon pot until size doubles. Plants look very healthy and happy. We have mid 70s during day and 50s at night. Dare I plant directly in ground?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Martha, Those are the general directions that come with every plant. The black elderberry are too big to go in a gallon pot, they can be transplanted right out. Make sure to give it shade and rich, moist soil. Richo
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martha apaza –
Hello,
I have two young American elderberry plants. I read they like to be at least in pairs. Should I get two Europeans and plant elsewhere or can I just purchase one and place it in the proximity of the Americans?
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Richo Cech –
Hi MArtha, thanks for writing. its complex. Bottom line elderberries are grudgingly self-fertile and do best when cross pollinated by a similar plant of different parentage. But american and european are too dissimilar in my opinion. Better to let the 2 americans cross pollinate and plant 3 black elderberries some distance away. There’s a great deal more on this in my book “Growing Plant Medicine” vol 2 which I hope to be able to offer early next year. Richo
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Sandra Golightly –
I’m reading through these comments. In Zone 8a and wanting to plant Sambucas Nigra. Do I understand correctly that I need to purchase 2 of the plants?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for writing. You can purchase just one plant if you want–we have no minimums. The European black elderberry is self-fertile and one plant will produce flowers and fruits. However, more fruits can be expected if several are grown in close proximity. i normally plant in groups of 3 (or more). richo
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Amanda (verified owner) –
Do these flowers have the gorgeous fragrance, unlike the American variety? I lived in Croatia where they thrive on the sides of roads and we make Elderflower cordial from the strongly scented flowers.
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Richo Cech –
hello amanda, thanks for writing, and for schooling us on the relative olfactory merits of the different species (or subspecies, as the geneticists claim) of elderberry. Yes, what you’re getting here is the wild form European black elderberry, and the flowers have a gorgeous fragrance. richo
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Willow Whyte Lynch –
I think you mean the European Black Elders are not invasive. The American Elder (S canadensis) will pop up all over the place! 🤣❤️
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Richo Cech –
the american black elderberry is rhizomatous and acts more like a cane berry than a tree. we like the tree-form european black elderberries better. r
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Elizabeth –
Hi!
So excited to find quality elderberry trees! I live on a suburban lot in zone 5a in Wisconsin so no higher tree canopy available. Could I plant in the partial shade of a garage on my property or is full sun the better option? Also so much of my research has said elderberries need a different type for pollination (i.e. Adams&Johns) will I be ok getting 2 of these trees or do I need something in addition?
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Richo Cech –
hello elizabeth, thanks for writing. I’m surprised there are still black elderberry trees available for sale. They are almost sold out. I do think it makes sense to choose the shady spot, and make sure to compost generously around the tree, and keep it moist. As for various info around the web about the need for pollinator species in elderberry, much of this is echo information from people who don’t actually grow wild form Sambucus nigra. You can check the thread below, but in any case, in short, one tree by itself will self-pollinate and having more trees is helpful in terms of fuller berry set. I always plant these in 3’s. Richo
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Carol –
I want to plant elderberry trees on our 1/4 acre but it is likely we will move in the next 2 years. Are they able to be transplanted at that time or maybe a grafting from any tree that I start here? What do you recommend? I love your videos and teachings. Thank you. Carol
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Richo Cech –
Hi Carol, Thanks for contacting. I can relate to this because I moved several times in the old days and while other people were thinking about rocking chairs and bookshelves, I was digging up bushes and trees. 2-year-old elderberry trees are small enough to dig up. It is far more efficient to work with something that already has roots instead of trying to root cuttings in the midst of it. Richo
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Kathleen Marshall –
How tall is a 2 year old plant, and how long will it take for them to produce (zone 5b)?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Kathleen, thanks for getting in touch. The plants are in 9-inch deep pots and the median height is 1 foot. I had the pleasure of planting several of the same lot of plants this spring and although they didn’t flower, they sized up nicely and will flower next year. r
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Carla –
I want to order a couple of Elderberry trees for this fall. I’m in zone 6a. Do I need to go ahead and plant them in the ground when they arrive in September or can I leave them in a pot outside over the winter and plant in the spring?
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Richo Cech –
hi carla, thanks for writing. my concern is that if these are planted to pots and left outdoors they might get too cold on the root zone. If you had an unheated greenhouse then yes, pot to a 3-gallon pot and leave on a bench in the greenhouse. but lacking that, maybe better to plant to the landscape, mulch generously, and cage or stake to mark. they should overwinter that way–they’re hardy down to z 3. richo
ps these are going to be sold out very soon
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Carla Thompson –
I do not have a greenhouse unfortunately. I have a very sunny room attached to the garage, but that probably would not be good enough as it only has windows on three sides. If I buy these now, will I be charged now or in September when they ship? I would like to get three trees, but can I get a decent harvest from two trees as they are fairly expensive with shipping.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Carla, thanks for keeping in touch. We charge the card right away when the plants are ordered and ship when the high temps mellow out in September. If an ideal spot is located for the tree/bush, and organic fertilizer is applied in the early spring, and the plant is kept watered, then 2 trees would probably be plenty for your purposes. I am concerned that you may not have a good setup for overwintering and cannot guarantee that the plants will overwinter. You might want to wait and see what we have available in the spring. richo
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Carla Thompson –
But if I go ahead and plant it outdoors, it should be fine, correct? I see there is another place in TN that ships their elderberry trees in Nov/Dec also but it is not the type that I want and would prefer what you have. I read that it takes up to 5 years before the tree would have fruit so I am anxious to get them planted.
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Richo Cech –
should be fine, that was my experience, and unlike most places on web i speak only from experience, read the thread below for more info
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Ka –
Anyone tried growing these in zone 8?
We are zone 8b, but on top of a hill and in a wooded area, so plenty of shade. I’ll try either way, just hoping someone else has already and maybe theyd share some tips?
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Richo Cech –
hello ka, yes, we’re here in a zone 8 and are self-sufficient on european black elderberry–the trees you’re looking at are grown here from our own seeds. the tip is to keep the tree in the shade and fertilize well with cow manure or the like. water deeply weekly. richo
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Liz –
Hi Richo, if I order these elderberry trees now for September shipment, should they be planted straight away, or kept in their containers outside until Spring? I’m in zone 5. Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Liz,
The conventional wisdom on this is to plant in the soil outdoors in the fall if in zones 6 through 9, and to not risk winter kill if in zones 5 and under. But if your only option is to leave it in a pot outside (instead of the recommended cold greenhouse) then you’d be better off planting and and mulching well.
Richo
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Anastacia Cilione –
Hi, is it possible to keep in a container for a year?
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Richo Cech –
hi anastasia, yes and i think these will be enabled in september so please hit waitlist. r
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Emily Zadoretzky (verified owner) –
We ordered and received 2 trees and I’m wondering if we need to plant these 15 feet apart from each other or if they may be closer and 15 feet from other plants?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Emily,
Hi Emily, ok, a lucky recipient of my carefully tended trees! The 15 foot apart designation is based on the spread of the mature tree. The actual landscape has to be taken into account, and it is better to give these shade of an overstory tree–that’s how they grow in nature. If you plant close to another tree, its going to reach out and find its own crown. Definitely give it at least 6 feet so the roots don’t compete too much. r
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Emily (verified owner) –
Thank you! We are definitely lucky to receive them!
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SarahDaffodil –
I have tried to start cuttings of elder without success. I am looking forward to established plants and nurturing their growth. Being 2 years old already, with the flower and fruit this year? Thanks
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Richo Cech –
hi sarah, make sure to hit waitlist on this, we will be enabling these for sale very soon. They will not make flowers this year. If given ideal conditions, they will start the flowering cycle next year.
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Kristine –
Hello, these are out of stock at the moment. Will you have more available this growing season? Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Kristine, the short answer is yes. hit waitlist and stay tuned. richo
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B –
Hi, do these come with planting guides? What materials should we have on hand prior to planting? Do you have recommended soil nutrient levels? Trying to plan amendments needed and soil drainage requirements. The university extension will provide soil test with recommendations based on needs for American Elderberry. Will that be good also for European black? Thanks for all your help!
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Richo Cech –
Hello B, if you double-click on the picture you get the monograph that has the planting guide: Elderberries prefer rich, moist soil in the part shade to sun. They are best placed as an understory to a higher tree canopy. Cage to protect from deer during first few years of growth. Elderberries appreciate frequent watering and spring application of nitrogen-rich compost or composted manure, applied within the dripline. Space trees at least 15 feet apart.
In answer to your question about Sambucus canadensis vs. S. nigra, actually, no, they require different conditions.
richo
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Dd –
Hello, I live in NW Wisconsin, zone 3/4. What is the best elderberry for this zone? Ps- thank you for all you grow and share!
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Richo Cech –
Hello Dd, Elderberry growers tend to have more problems with HEAT than COLD. The European Black Elderberry is hardy to your zone and is the only one we have available in tree form. I recommend it, it is the most time-tested in terms of medicinality and contains a unique antiviral protein. Richo
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Layle –
Hi I am in deep East Texas, am I able to keep these trees in pots until January or February?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Layle, These will not be shipped to the warmer states, of which texas is one, until March of 2022. Since they are potted trees, they do not need to be transplanted during dormancy, they will transplant fine. richo
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Natalie –
Hello! Does this plant self-pollinate or are two trees required for cross-pollination? What is the height/width of a mature tree? When will this ship? I live in Denver, CO and am hoping to receive it in the spring of next year. Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Natalie,
You’ve got it about right. The trees are self-fertile but it helps to have several (they’re seedgrown, by the way) to fully pollinate. If you order in time to get one, it will ship in April of 2022. Richo
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Mary DiPierro –
I live in SWFL zone 10a/b. Will this be ok planted or can i grow in container.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Mary, you can grow this as a potted plant in the shade. richo
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Mary Dipierro –
Thank you. What size n type if soil? I am so so new at containers!
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Richo Cech –
Hi MAry, These trees are already deeply rooted, you want to choose a container that is big enough for the whole root as it is and then some room for it to grow more. I would choose organic potting soil with a slightly acidic pH and make sure you top dress with organic compost in the spring and summer months. Use a 5 gallon pot minimum. Richo
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cheryl alexander –
is there a market to farm the elderberry berries to sell?? for a small farm??
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Richo Cech –
hi cheryl, yes, elderberry is in great demand. r
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Wendy –
Does this need a companion plant of a different type to grow elderberries?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Wendy, Our seed-grown elderberry trees are self-fertile but they do make a better fruit set when pollinated by another seed-grown elderberry of the same type. We know this because we have experimented with growing them in isolation and they still make fruit, but the ones that are grown communally are a bit more productive. Anything can happen, I recommend buying 3. These are going to sell out very rapidly, do not hesitate! Richo
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Gwen Scott –
Can I grow these in Leesville South Carolina near a pond?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Gwen, looks nice and shady, you have a lovely spot there. That’s important for elderberry. They also like a well-manured soil, so you can do that, at the surface, around the trunk out to the dripline, after you plant. Our current status on black elderberry 9 inch is that we’ll be enabling this for spring delivery only after Jan 1, 2022. Therefore, I advise you to hit “waitlist.” richo
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Denise Nachtigal –
I live in South Dakota so my yard is pretty flat. I see these “are best placed as an understory to a higher tree canopy”. I only have a few mature trees on my property that provide any shade. Will these survive in a lot of sun and just do better in part shade, or will a lot of sun have a sever negative impact? Also, how large do these normally grow?
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Richo Cech –
these are currently out of stock although we will have them again come spring. the extremes of weather in S. Dakota make growing european elderberry a chancy choice. I suggest maybe raspberries a better choice. r
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KRISTIE LAVIGNE –
Which elderberry can be grown in Florida. And do you sell them?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Kristie, My guess is that Sambucus mexicana (which is currently considered a subspecies of S. nigra) might be your best choice–it is the most southerly ranging type–we sometimes have seeds for this, stay in touch. Richo
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Pd –
What Sambucus migraine varieties do you sell. I want to use it to make elderberry syrup for boosting immune system. Do we need 2 sambucus nigra varieties?
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Richo Cech –
hello pd, we don’t have any sambucus migraines but we do have organic european black elderberries for sale. Also elderberry seeds, and you can git the waitlist for elderberry trees that are going to ship out spring 2022. richo
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Lisaann Sobieralski –
I live in eastern North Carolina. Will Elderberry grow here? I’m zone 7. If I start from seed, how long does it take for the plant to produce fruit?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Lisaann,
Yes, elderberry grows well in e NC. It is very challenging to grow this plant from seed unless you’re used to the “sow in the fall for germination in the spring” scenario, in which case the germination biology follows the usual pattern. It takes a year to get any wood at all, another year to get up past the grasses and probably flowers in the third year. Richo
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Gladys –
Can the Elderberry bush be pruned back to keep it at a smaller size?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Gladys,
Elderberries have opposing buds all the way from ground level to tip and can be pruned anywhere along the stem. Make your cut just above a set of buds. Once they really get going, they are a bit hard to stop, though.
Richo
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Mary DiPierro –
I live in SWFL, will this grow ok if kept potted n on a lani? You stated up to zone 9….i am zone 10a
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Richo Cech –
Hello Mary,
This is a very temperate fruit, it doesn’t do well with the hot and humid climate. Richo
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Shims veneer –
Do you anticipate having these for spring 2021 shipping??
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Richo Cech –
Hello Shims, Thanks for contacting. We are going to enable these one more time this year. We have to fulfill existing orders and see how the inventory shakes down. We will have more, probably quite a few more. Hit “waitlist” and when you get the e-mail jump on it.
Richo
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Question
Amy Wells –
Out of stock for March mailings?
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Richo Cech –
probably not. Depends on winter survivability of potted stock–will enable more when we’re sure. hit waitlist. richo
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crisnichole.walker –
Hi Richo,
You mentioned cutting back to the crown in the fall – do you do this every year? Or just until they start fruiting?
Thanks!
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Admin Richo Cech –
No, this is most commonly done with bushy American Black Elderberry–the European form is woodier and should not be cut back.
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Question
mary –
When is the best time to plant elderberry bushes in Vermont ?
Im wondering if I could plant now or if its best to wait until spring
also I have heard you need two bushes of different types of elderberry to pollinate
thank you
mary
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Mary,
If you had a large potted bush you could plant it right now outdoors and it would have time to root in and bud before winter. But if you’re thinking of getting one of our potted plants, they cannot be done this way, as they are too small. They need to be planted up to a gallon on receipt and grown on that way for a year or more before transplanting. The black elderberry are self-fertile.
Richo
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Stacey –
How big do these grow? And as seedlings, are they okay kept in pots outdoors and then moved indoors during winter months?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Mine seem to top out at about 20 feet tall. It is generally better to leave the plants outdoors albeit somewhat protected as opposed to indoors–they need the cold dormancy. r
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Liz Slowik –
I hear that elderberry is invasive. Can I grow it in a pot and if so how big and does it need support? Also we get very
hot summers (zone 9b) so does it need some shade?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Elderberry doesn’t do well in pots after the first couple of years when it is usually grown in 1 to 3 gallon pots. They like to be planted out to cool, moist shade and rich soil. They are not invasive. r
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