Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 2.0 - 00001314
01/01/98
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 Height: 10 ft Spread: 10 ft Form: rounded Type: deciduous shrub Annual Growth Rate: more than 18 inches Flowers: white Fruit: black
Comments: Elderberry grows best in a sunny, open location and in a rich, moist soil. Elderberry grows rapidly, tolerates shade and is useful near water. The white flowers are produced in early summer in large, flat-topped clusters. The edible, purplish-black fruits, borne in late summer, are attractive to birds.
Cultivars:
'Adams' - A selection that is used in wildlife
plantings and where the fruit are desired for
culinary uses.
'Aurea' - A rounded plant with yellow foliage and red
fruits.
'Goldfinch' - The leaves are both cut and yellow.
'Laciniata' - A cultivar with lacy, cutleaves.
'Maxima' - A vigorous cultivar with larger flowers and
leaves than the species. The flower stalks are
purple.
'York' - This cultivar is about 12 feet tall and wide
with good fruit production. The fruit matures later
than those of 'Adams' but fruit set is better when
more than one cultivar is grown.
References for Cultivars: Bailey Nurseries 1997, Sheridan Nurseries 1997, Weston Nurseries 1997, Spring Meadow Nursery 1997.