Elegant Elderberries

​The Elderberry bushes are in full bloom and there is a buzz about them.  I originally planted the shrubs to harvest the berries that are reported to be an excellent immune booster to prevent colds and flu.  I have discovered that the flowers are pollinator attractors, both flowers and berries look great in bouquets (they can also be used to make a liqueur or wine) and the berries provide food for people and birds.  As a result of all the additional benefits of elderberries, it turns out that I have made only one batch of elderberry syrup.  

Sambucus nigra ssp canadensis  Elderberry bushes can grow very large (4-12 feet) so they are best for the back of the border.   They are a North American native plant.  According to the UW-Extension bulletin A1960 “Growing Current, Gooseberries, & Elderberries in Wisconsin”, elderberries are considered non self-pollinating meaning that at least two cultivars of this bush planted close to each other are needed for cross-pollination and good fruit set.  I have ‘York’ and ‘Adam’ planted within 20 feet of each other. 
 
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center tells us that “the genus name comes from Greek sambuce, an ancient musical instrument, and refers to the soft pith, easily removed from the twigs and used to make flutes and whistles.” 
 
Where to Grow  In addition to the healthy berry,  I selected this bush for my garden because it can be grown in part shade.  Except for a bit of pruning, it is relatively easy to grow and maintain.  These shrubs grow fast, so give them space to spread.  They can become heavy with berries mid-summer and the branches need extra room.   I prune mine every year taking out about a third of the old branches to the ground.  This keeps them from taking over my garden and provides all the flowers and berries that I would want.   When I haven’t kept up with pruning, occasionally I have cut the whole bush to the ground to keep it within bounds.  Except for birds getting to ripe berries before me, I have not had any pests on my bushes and have not provided fertilizer to them since they seem to be doing fine without.  If growth appears poor it is recommended that a light application of nitrogen be applied in the spring. 
 
How to use the Fruit/Flowers  The USDA Plant Guide on the Common Elderberry provides some interesting ways to use this plant:
 
Elderberries are edible.  The blue and purple berries are gathered and made into wine, jam, syrup, and pies.  The entire flower cluster can be dipped in batter and fried while petals can be eaten raw or made into a fragrant and tasty tea.  The flowers add an aromatic flavor and lightness to pancakes or fritters.
 
I obviously have many more ways to enjoy my elderberries, but right now I’m enjoying the beautiful flowers that they add to the garden.