Plant library
Perennial food
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Zones 3–9
The homestead medicine and food plant — massive umbels of berries for syrup, wine, and immune support, plus flowers for fritters and cordial.
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
moderate
Spacing
6-8 ft apart
Soil
Moist, pH 5.5-7.0
Difficulty
easy
Zones
3–9
When to plant
Mar
Apr
Oct
Nov
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Plant two for best fruit, 6-8 ft apart, in spring. Coppice hard every few years for vigor. Grows fast — 8-12 ft in a few seasons.
Good companions
Blackberries and wild edges
Harvest
Clip whole berry umbels when fully dark and drooping; strip berries with a fork. Flowers in June.
Want a plan for growing Elderberry?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
