(Sambucus canadensis) Deciduous. Zones 4-8. Elderberry, commonly called Black Elder, is a beautiful and useful plant - a wonderful addition to any garden! If you like to grow medicinal plants, Elderberry is a must-have shrub. In June, Elderberry’s tiny lemon-scented white flowers appear in clusters, and in late summer flowers give way to clusters of deep purple-black elderberry fruits on violet stems. Its showy, flat-topped flower clusters attract birds and butterflies. If you plan to harvest the fruits, be sure to protect them from hungry birds, deer, and other wildlife! The health benefits of Elderberry are endless! It can aid digestion, lower cholesterol, protect cardiovascular health, support the respiratory system, soothe inflammation, regulate insulin levels, strengthen bones, and make your skin glow. Elderberry is traditionally made into syrup and taken medicinally to support the immune system, especially through the winter months. Once established, it grows quickly and can reach up to 12 feet. It makes a wonderful living, edible hedge or shrub level companion in a permaculture landscape. Fruits and flowers are also used to make jams, jellies, elderberry wine, and elderflower cordial. ------------------------------------- Cold Hardiness: Zones 4 - 8 Edible: Yes, when cooked. Size: Medium Shrub Growth Rate: Fast Nitrogen Fixer: No Native Plant: Yes Sun Requirements: Full Sun to partial shade Soil Preference: Tolerates a variety of soils, including medium to wet. Germination: 70 - 90% ------------------------------------- GROWING INSTRUCTIONSFor best results, direct sow seeds outdoors in the Fall. If sowing indoors… SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds for 48 hours in hot tap water, change water after 24 hours. Mix seeds with a moistened grow medium equal to 3-4 times seed volume. Place in a plastic bag, covered tray/cells or container. STRATIFICATION: After soaking seeds, start 60 days warm/moist (20°C), the top of your fridge is a good spot for this. Monitor for mold. Next, 150 days cold/moist (5°C), in your fridge is a good spot for this. Inspect periodically for even moisture and early germination. POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 1/4” deep. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (30°C) and night (20°C) aids germination. Water evenly and regularly. GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 15-30 days. How To Stratify Tree Seeds----------------------------------Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
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