Noteworthy CharacteristicsElderberry is native to eastern North America. It's a good wildlife plan, with its numerous white flowers in summer and purple-black berries in late summer and fall. All parts of the plant can cause severe discomfort if eaten, but fruit is safe when cooked.

CareGrow in average, medium to wet, humusy soil in full sun to part shade. Prune out dead or weakened stems in early spring. Can be hard pruned if needed to restrict size.

PropagationSow seed in containers in autumn in an open frame. Take hardwood cuttings in winter or greenwood cuttings in early summer. Colonizes by root suckers.

ProblemsPowdery mildew, canker and dieback, rust, virus diseases, fungal leaf spots, borers.