Elderberry

One of the easiest plants to grow, elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) are neutraceutical wonders. We don’t want to overstate the health benefits, but there have been reputable, published studies that confirm that elderberries fight inflammation, boost the immune system, ease flu symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body ache. Some studies have found that elderberry might be effective against H1N1, or swine flu. A few studies have suggested that elderberry could help with bacterial sinus infections or bronchitis. Folk medicine proponents go further and claim benefits against cancer, AIDS, etc.

Elderberries should not be eaten raw, but make delicious juice, jams, jellies, wine, tinctures, baked goods and more.

Missouri Extension Specialist Pat Byers led a team of growers and researchers to develop ‘Wyldewood’ and ‘Bob Gordon’ that both produce huge panicles (the fruit bearing structure) which far outyield any previously named variety. The panicles of ‘Bob Gordon’ are so heavy with fruit that they bend downward, making them less attractive to birds.

NEW! New this year we have ‘Ozark’ elderberry also released by the same team from the University of Missouri, but this plant was collected near Deer, Arkansas, just down (up, really) the road from here. This elderberry has the highest sugar content of any named elderberry (still, they’re not for fresh eating; rather they are for wine or medicinal formulations–tea, tinctures, etc.)

We have beautiful, bushy, 1-year plants of all three varieties for sale that have already started bearing in their first year! AND we have a few HUGE 2 year ‘Wyldewood’ and ‘Gordon’ bushes (over 5′ tall) for $40. Though partially self-fruitful, yields will be increased if you plant more than one variety.