Elderberry (Sambucus Simpsonii)
The Sambucus Simpsonii, or elderberry plant, is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. The elderberry plant is a member of the Adoxaceae family and can grow to be up to 12 feet tall. The elderberry plant has dark green leaves and produces small white flowers that turn into dark purple berries. The berries of the elderberry plant are used in pies, jams, and wine. The elderberry plant is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used to treat colds, flu, and other ailments for centuries.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Varieties suitable for Florida
Common Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis):
Fruiting Season: Mid-summer to early fall, typically from July to September.
Pollination: Elderberries are not self-pollinating and require another elderberry nearby for cross-pollination to produce fruit.
Best Pollinators: Planting multiple elderberry bushes from the same or compatible species ensures effective cross-pollination.
Planting Zone Range: 3-9, making it well-suited for Ocala’s climate.
Description: Elderberries produce clusters of dark purple to black berries that are commonly used in syrups, jellies, wines, and for medicinal purposes. The plants are also appreciated for their ornamental flowers and are wildlife-friendly, attracting pollinators and birds.
European Elderberry (Sambucus nigra):
Fruiting Season: Late summer to early fall.
Pollination: Like the common elderberry, European elderberry requires cross-pollination from another Sambucus nigra plant.
Best Pollinators: Another European elderberry.
Planting Zone Range: 4-8
Description: This variety is known for its larger fruits and flowers, commonly used in traditional European syrups, wines, and jams. It is slightly less tolerant of high heat compared to the American varieties.
York Elderberry:
Fruiting Season: Early to mid-summer.
Pollination: Requires cross-pollination, ideally from another York or a compatible elderberry like the Adams.
Best Pollinators: Adams Elderberry.
Planting Zone Range: 3-9
Description: York is a robust cultivar known for its large, sweet berries and significant yields. It's well-suited for both home gardens and commercial production.
Adams Elderberry:
Fruiting Season: Early to mid-summer.
Pollination: Benefits from cross-pollination with another Adams or York elderberry for optimal fruit production.
Best Pollinators: York Elderberry.
Planting Zone Range: 3-9
Description: Adams is another popular cultivar, favored for its large clusters of dark berries and vigorous growth habit. It's commonly planted alongside York for mutual pollination.
Johns Elderberry:
Fruiting Season: Mid to late summer.
Pollination: Requires cross-pollination, typically with another Johns or compatible elderberry variety.
Best Pollinators: Another Johns or similar variety.
Planting Zone Range: 4-8
Description: Known for its fast growth and productivity, Johns produces high-quality berries that are excellent for wine and jam making.
Elderberry plants are relatively easy to grow, adapting well to the soil and climatic conditions of Florida. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Regular watering during the fruiting season can help boost their productivity.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Sambucus Simpsonii |
| Family Name: | Adoxaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Elderberry, American Elder, Simpson's Elderberry, Florida Elderberry. |
| Size: | Up to 12' tall |
| Plant Type: | Ranging from Perennial Shrub to Tree form |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Sambucus simpsonii, often known as Simpson's elderberry or Florida elderberry, is native to the southeastern United States. Specifically, its distribution includes states such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. This regional specificity indicates that it thrives in subtropical and warm temperate climates, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, along riverbanks, and in open, moist areas. |
| Native to USA: | Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina |
| Conservation Status: | Does not currently have a designated conservation status under major international bodies. It is not listed as endangered or threatened. |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in early spring or late fall. Choose a site that receives full sun to partial shade and has moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, incorporate some compost or peat moss if necessary, and ensure the root crown remains at soil level. Space the plants about 6 to 10 feet apart to give them room to grow and spread. |
| Sun Exposure: | Full Sun - Part Shade |
| Soil Type: | Handles all soil types. Does not thrive in soils that are overly alkaline or extremely dry and compacted. |
| Soil pH: | 6.8 - 7.2 Prefers slightly acidic |
| Water Requirements: | Prefers consistently moist soil, especially when it's establishing roots and during active growth. Regular watering is crucial in dry periods to keep the soil from drying out completely. However, once established, elderberry plants are somewhat drought-tolerant and can manage with less frequent watering. The key is to avoid letting the soil become waterlogged while ensuring it doesn't dry out completely. In practical terms, this might mean watering the plants deeply once a week during dry spells, adjusting based on rainfall and soil type. |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Light; an annual application of a balanced fertilizer. |
| Pruning Requirements: | The best time to prune elderberries is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This timing helps prevent the plant from becoming stressed and allows it to recover quickly in the growing season. |
| Growth Rate: | Has a fast growth rate. These plants can grow rapidly under the right conditions, typically adding several feet in height and spread each year. This swift growth allows them to quickly fill in spaces in the landscape and reach full size within a few years. As a result, they are often chosen for areas where quick coverage or screening is desired. |
| Companion Planting: | Incorporating companion plants can create a diverse, resilient, and productive garden ecosystem around your Sambucus simpsonii, enhancing both growth and yield. |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | They have a moderate drought tolerance once they are well-established. |
| Frost Tolerance: | -20° Fahrenheit |
| Heat Tolerance: | Elderberries, generally have good heat tolerance and can thrive in areas where summer temperatures reach up to 95°F (35°C). However, when temperatures consistently exceed this range, especially if combined with high humidity or drought conditions, elderberries may experience stress. Symptoms of heat stress include wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced fruit production. |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance: | Elderberry plants, generally have low salt tolerance. They do not fare well in environments with high soil salinity or in coastal areas where salt spray is a common issue. Salt can inhibit their ability to absorb water and nutrients effectively, leading to reduced growth and vitality. |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 4a - 10b |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Berries |
| Harvest Time: | In Central Florida you can harvest from late June to early August. The exact timing can vary based on the specific local conditions and the weather each year. |
| Harvesting Tips: | To harvest the berries, cut entire clusters with pruning shears, just below the base of the fruits. Collect the clusters in a basket, bucket, or plastic bag. Once the berries are harvested, they must be removed from the stems. The stems and leaves are toxic and should not be consumed. |
| Fruit Description: | Consists of small, round berries that grow in clusters called drupes. Each berry is typically about 3-5 mm in diameter. When ripe, they are a deep purple to almost black color and have a glossy appearance. |
| Edible Plant: | ONLY when Cooked. They are commonly used to make syrups, jams, jellies, pies, and wines, where their flavor can be enhanced with sugar and other ingredients. |
| Edible Parts: | Berries and Flowers. The flowers of elderberry plants are also edible and are often used to make elderflower cordials, teas, and syrups, but they should be used judiciously due to the mild toxicity when raw. Always ensure proper preparation to enjoy these parts safely. |
| Medicinal: | Yes |
| Air Purification: | Nothing above normal levels of the average plant. |
| Flower Color: | Creamy White |
| Flower Shape: | They are typically arranged in large, flat-topped or slightly rounded clusters known as corymbs or umbels, which can be quite showy and span up to several inches across. Each individual flower is radially symmetrical and features five tiny petals that are spread out from the center, creating a star-like shape. The center of the flower is populated with prominent stamens that are highly attractive to pollinators. |
| Fragrance: | The fragrance is delicately sweet and pleasantly floral, reminiscent of light honeysuckle. This subtle aroma is especially noticeable on warm, sunny days, attracting pollinators and adding a fragrant touch to gardens. |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Late spring to early summer. |
| Bloom Duration: | Typically lasts for about two to three weeks. This period can vary slightly depending on environmental factors such as temperature, sunlight, and moisture levels. |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Primarily relies on insects for pollination but can self pollinate. |
Wildlife
| Pollinators: | Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Flies, and Small Beetles. |
| Problematic Pest: | Eriophyid Mite, Spider Mite, Stink Bug, Leaf-footed Bug, Armyworms, Spindle Worm Borer, Spotted-wing Drosophila |
| Attracts: | Birds |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Yes |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | Berries if not cooked first |
| Toxic to Humans: | If not cooked first |
| Toxic to Animals: | Yes |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Elderberry Rust, Cankers, Leaf Spot, Powdery Mildew |
| Additional Information: | N/A |
Companion Planting
The Elderberry, is a versatile and beneficial plant that can be a great addition to a companion planting scheme. When choosing companion plants for elderberry, consider those that can benefit from the attributes elderberry brings to the garden, such as attracting pollinators, and those that can offer mutual benefits. Here are some companion planting options:
1. Herbs
Lavender: Its strong scent can help deter pests and attract pollinators, complementing the elderberry.
Lemon Balm: Known for its ability to attract beneficial insects, it also repels mosquitoes and can grow well near elderberry.
2. Flowering Plants
Yarrow: Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil quality. Its ability to attract ladybugs can help control aphids that might otherwise affect elderberry plants.
Daisies: Serve as good ground cover and attract beneficial insects, enhancing the biodiversity around elderberries.
3. Vegetables
Tomatoes: Elderberry can provide partial shade and wind protection for tomatoes, which prefer some afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Chili Peppers: They benefit from the shade elderberry provides and can thrive alongside due to similar soil and water requirements.
4. Fruit Bushes
Raspberry and Blackberry: These can be planted near elderberries as they share similar soil pH and moisture requirements. They also benefit mutually from pollinators attracted to elderberry flowers.
5. Legumes
Beans and Peas: As nitrogen-fixers, they enrich the soil, which benefits nutrient-loving elderberries. They can also use elderberries as climbing support if grown considerately to avoid overburdening the elderberry plant.
Considerations:
Spacing and Soil Needs: Ensure that companion plants do not compete aggressively with elderberry for nutrients and space. Elderberry plants like moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Pest Management: Elderberry can attract certain pests like aphids and borers. Companion planting with herbs like lavender and lemon balm can help repel these pests.
Pollinator Attraction: Elderberries are excellent for attracting pollinators; planting other pollinator-friendly plants can create a thriving habitat for beneficial insects.