European Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
European Elderberry is a vigorous deciduous shrub with a rich history of culinary and medicinal use throughout Europe, offering abundant harvests of intensely flavored berries and fragrant flowers. This productive plant reaches 10-15 feet tall with an attractive upright to spreading form, producing large flat-topped umbels of creamy white flowers in early summer followed by heavy clusters of glossy black-purple berries in late summer. The European varieties are particularly prized for their larger berry size, higher yields, and superior flavor compared to wild American types, making them the preferred choice for commercial production and home processing. Both flowers and cooked berries are extensively used in traditional European recipes - elderflower cordials, liqueurs, and fritters showcase the blossoms' distinctive muscat-like fragrance, while the antioxidant-rich berries make exceptional syrups, wines, jams, and immune-supporting preparations. European elderberry thrives in moist, fertile soils with full sun and establishes quickly into highly productive specimens. While partially self-fertile, planting multiple cultivars increases berry production significantly. Hardy across USDA Zones 4-8, this versatile shrub combines centuries of cultural heritage with reliable productivity for edible landscapes, hedgerows, and permaculture systems.
European Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
European Elderberry is a vigorous deciduous shrub with a rich history of culinary and medicinal use throughout Europe, offering abundant harvests of intensely flavored berries and fragrant flowers. This productive plant reaches 10-15 feet tall with an attractive upright to spreading form, producing large flat-topped umbels of creamy white flowers in early summer followed by heavy clusters of glossy black-purple berries in late summer. The European varieties are particularly prized for their larger berry size, higher yields, and superior flavor compared to wild American types, making them the preferred choice for commercial production and home processing. Both flowers and cooked berries are extensively used in traditional European recipes - elderflower cordials, liqueurs, and fritters showcase the blossoms' distinctive muscat-like fragrance, while the antioxidant-rich berries make exceptional syrups, wines, jams, and immune-supporting preparations. European elderberry thrives in moist, fertile soils with full sun and establishes quickly into highly productive specimens. While partially self-fertile, planting multiple cultivars increases berry production significantly. Hardy across USDA Zones 4-8, this versatile shrub combines centuries of cultural heritage with reliable productivity for edible landscapes, hedgerows, and permaculture systems.
