Elderberry, Mexican (Sambucus mexicana), packet of 20 dried berries
$3.95
Family: Honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae)
Hardy to Zone 6 to 11
(Sambucus nigra var. mexicana, Mexican Elderberry, Tapiro) Deciduous shrub to small tree native to canyons and valleys west of the Sierra Nevada from Oregon to Baja. Drought tolerant once established, the tree makes pretty yellow flowers that give way to the edible, purple berries. This tree is an excellent choice for greening up the dry landscape. The berries are suitable for making jam and are well-loved by wildlife. We provide dried berries that contain on the average 3 seeds per berry. Soak berries overnight, then smash in a tea strainer and wash with cold water until the seeds are separated from the flesh of the berry. Sow in fall for germination in the spring, or place the seed in moist medium and give 70 days warm treatment followed by refrigeration for 90 days, then sow in greenhouse or shadehouse. Those are the typical planting directions for Sambucus. It may be worth mentioning that we once planted Sambucus mexicana seeds in standard shadehouse conditions on February 15 and achieved a high rate of germination on April 1, a 45 day induction period. In 2024, we planted on January 5 and noted rampant germination April 5, a 120 day induction period. Seedlings and adult trees are nitrogen lovers. Give composted chicken manure or other organic compost at the root zone for best results.
20 dried berries per packet, Open Pollinated, Untreated, NO GMO’s
In stock
Red River –
We live in Wichita Falls Texas where our summer days are over 100F between June and August. We have a lovely spot in the canopy of a myrtle tree where the elder would receive sun between 11a and 3p. Would it be too hot where we live for a Mexican Elderberry?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
hallo red, the whole idea of the mexican elderberry is that it withstands great heat. i’ve seen them thriving on the median of the interstate in southern california. we started a large number of these this year and will be offering them for sale as plants next year. meanwhile, yes, seeds available. richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Rashida –
Great and which variety is best for making a cold and flu preventative? I already have a canadesis and I am going to purchase the Nigra seeds but was wondering about the variety caked sauco. I live in Charlotte NC and I really want to grow the kind that prevents/treats cold and flu and may be effective against viruses. Thanks again! You respond so fast. I didn’t expect such a fast response. Thank you so much.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Admin Richo Cech –
The berries of Sambucus nigra (European Black Elderberry) are official but many people use Sambucus canadensis. We’ll be harvesting fresh European Elderberry in October and you might want to wait to purchase and plant it at that time. We will also have plenty of black elderberry plants in spring of 2020 and those would save you 2 years of effort. r
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
cloud9salon –
Hi, do you have instructions for how to make elderberry syrup for cold and flu prevention in one of your books? Thanks
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Admin Richo Cech –
Yes, that would be “Making Plant Medicine.”
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal