Description

Nearly all named cultivars of elderberry are simply selections of native or wild strains with specific desirable traits. One of the primary goals of our nursery is to continue this tradition in meaningful ways. Unselected or wild-type elderberries purchased from us will come from a diverse array of cuttings or plants in our collection, ensuring the highest possible genetic diversity in your order.

Benefits of Wild-Type Elderberries:

• Help increase cross-pollination windows and support pollinator populations.
• Lower costs allow you to establish a larger orchard more quickly.
• Greater genetic diversity can enhance orchard resilience to varying weather conditions.

It is a common misconception that only named cultivars produce the best or most berries. When you plant a specific cultivar of elderberry, you are planting a clone with a defined set of traits, such as larger individual berries or a specific bush height. While this consistency can be advantageous depending on your orchard goals, planting diverse, wild-type elderberries is ideal for quickly establishing a robust and diverse elderberry population.

Size: Typically grows 6–12 feet tall and wide, depending on growing conditions
Hardiness Zone: 3–9

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter
• pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.5)
• Water: Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruiting

Standard Cuttings:
Typically pinky to thumb thickness and 6-10 inches long. These represent our best stock and are ideal for reliable propagation.

Bulk Cuttings:
May include both larger and smaller cuttings, often with a single node. These are designed for establishing larger plots affordably and efficiently.

Live Plants:
One-year-old plants with a healthy, established root system. Depending on conditions, these plants are likely to produce a small amount of fruit and flowers in their first year.