Description
Sambucus canadensis (American Black Elderberry) Seeds
Zone: 3 to 9
Native to central and eastern North America.
The elderberry is a multi-stemmed shrub that can spread by root suckers. It prefers sun to part shade and moist, humusy soils. Foliage comprises 4 to 6 pinnately-compound paired leaflets, ovate to elliptic or narrower in shape. It is a good choice for naturalizing and its showy flowers and fruit give it an ornamental value in shrub borders. Its small purplish-black fruit which matures in late summer is edible and used in pies, wines, jams and jellies. The fruit is also popular with birds and other wildlife. Flowers in early summer attract bees and butterflies.
Size: Height 5 to 12 ft; Width 5 to 12 ft.
Germination Instructions
Soak seeds for 24 hours and drain.
Stratification: Seed requires 60 days warm moist stratification followed by 90 to 120 days cold moist stratification at 3° C (37° F) to 5° C (41° F).
- Soak seeds in water for 24-48 hours.
- Place seeds in sandwich bag(s), optionally with a bit of damp sand or vermiculite to keep moist.
- Keep at room temperature for about 60 days. Occasionally lightly spray water to keep seeds and sand moist.
- Place the bag(s) with seeds in refrigerator for about 90 to 120 days.
- After the required time take the seeds out of the refrigerator and sow the seeds in pots 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly. Water gently so as not to wash away the seeds. Keep soil moist but not wet.
