White flower clusters adorn this Florida native year round. Their berries provide food for many birds and as a shelter to them as well. They thrive best in full sun and in moist soil conditions. Its berries have been also know to be made into jam and jellies.
How to care for Elderberry
Light. Plant it in full sun. It tolerates some shade.
Water. Water regularly until established, then mainly during dry spells. It grows best in moist soil.
Soil and feeding. It prefers moist, fertile soil and tolerates both acidic and alkaline conditions.
Size. Usually 4–6 ft. Older plants can reach 5–12 ft and spread to 10 ft.
Pruning. Prune while dormant, removing dead and damaged canes. Suckers spread fast into a thicket; remove them to keep it tidy.
Problems to watch. Borers in the stems, leaf-chewing insects, cankers, leaf spots and powdery mildew.
Good to know. Native to the eastern US, and birds eat the fruit. Only ripe black berries are edible; unripe berries, leaves and stems can be toxic.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Elderberry
