Resilient, Nutrient-Rich Elderberry Shrubs for Fruit, Wildlife & Beauty
Native Elderberry bushes are known for their clusters of fragrant white flowers, rich purple berries, and their adaptability in the home garden. The Elderberry plant has been heralded for hundreds of years as a super plant, providing not only ornamental value but also highly nutritious berries used in syrups, teas, jams and health tonics. At TN Nursery we have been growing native berry bushes for over 65 years. In fact, our stock has been used in large national projects like Arlington National Cemetery and The Washington Monument since 1959 and our horticultural knowledge has been showcased on the Discovery and History channels. This rich history in the field behind our knowledge and confidence, and guarantees our Elderberry bushes are hardy, dependable, and ready to perform.
Why Elderberry Is a Garden Essential
Elderberry bushes are an uncommon landscaping plant that provide striking ornamental features and good yields. In the spring, the plants are covered in spikes of creamy flowers, attracting bees and other early pollinators. Later in summer, these flowers develop into dense clusters of dark blue/black berries prized for their unique taste and high antioxidant properties. Elderberries grow easily in moist, rich soils but are also drought tolerant once established, as well as able to tolerate full sun or light shade. TN Nursery chooses Elderberry cultivars with the most productive yields, strong stems, and reliable bearing characteristics for your edible landscaping and hedgerows.
The Landscape & Ecological Benefits of Growing Elderberry
No shrub does more to enhance biodiversity than elderberry. The flowers support pollinators, the berries feed birds and wildlife and the roots hold sloped or erosion-prone soils in place. Fast-growing, the plants develop attractive thickets in a short time to provide privacy and beautiful natural form to the edges of your property or mixed in with your homestead planting. Elderberries can be used with viburnums, chokeberries, blueberries and native perennials to create multi-layered, wildlife-attracting plantings that fit naturally into your space. Elderberry shrubs need very little care-sunlight, water, and some pruning-and will return year after year with even more growth and larger harvests.
Questions About Elderberry
Is Elderberry edible?
Yes-elderberries are edible when cooked and are widely used in syrups, teas, jellies, and wellness recipes. Raw berries should not be eaten in large quantities.
Do Elderberry shrubs need a pollinator?
Yes-planting two different Elderberry varieties improves pollination and dramatically increases berry production.
How large do Elderberry shrubs get?
Most reach 6-12 feet tall and wide, creating a full, arching shrub perfect for screening or naturalizing.
Do Elderberries grow in wet soil?
They love moisture and grow exceptionally well in damp areas, though they also adapt to normal garden soils.
Are Elderberry plants easy to grow?
Very easy. They establish quickly, resist pests, and require minimal care once rooted.
With more than six decades of horticultural experience, TN Nursery proudly offers strong, fruit-packed Elderberry shrubs that enrich landscapes with beauty, ecological value, and abundant harvests year after year.