Delicate white elderflower blossoms on Elderberry Tree with green leaves

Elderberry Tree

1-2 Feet / Buy 1 Get 1 Free
$26.99
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Delicate white elderflower blossoms on Elderberry Tree with green leaves
1/5

Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Between November 15-29

Planting Zone

3-9

Height at Maturity

6–12 Feet

Water Needs

Moderate and High

Sun or Shade

Full sun and Partial shade

Bloom Season

Early summer (June–July)

Care

Plant in moist, rich soil. Roots are shallow, so keep the soil moist the first summer. Cut stems more than three years old in late winter.

Exposure

Full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of sun for the best fruit.

Plant Attributes

Native fruiting shrub , White flower clusters, berries for syrup and jam, Thrives in moist soil
Elderberry Tree

Elderberry Tree

Height Shipped
Quantity: (Buy More, Save More)

Buy 1, Get 1 FREE - Add 1 to your cart, and we'll automatically send the second one FREE!Bulk pricing applied. Free plant offer is only on the Buy 1 Get 1 Free option.
$26.99
$13.50 each 2 plants (buy 1, get 1 free)
Ships dormant and bare root, Nov 15 to 29.

No leaves until spring, and that's normal.

What to expect
  • Dormant means asleep, not dead. The plant is resting, not growing.
  • Plant it soon. Within a day or two of arrival is best. Soak the roots in water for 30 minutes to an hour first.
  • Leaves come in spring. Until then it can look like a bare stick. That's normal.
  • Want to check? Scratch a little bark with your fingernail. Green underneath means it's alive.
See our planting instructions
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24-hour Arrive Alive warranty on all plants after delivery. Grow guarantee also available at checkout.

Frequently bought together

Total for 4 items

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Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Between November 15-29

Planting Zone

3-9

Height at Maturity

6–12 Feet

Water Needs

Moderate and High

Sun or Shade

Full sun and Partial shade

Bloom Season

Early summer (June–July)

Care

Plant in moist, rich soil. Roots are shallow, so keep the soil moist the first summer. Cut stems more than three years old in late winter.

Exposure

Full sun to partial shade, at least 6 hours of sun for the best fruit.

Plant Attributes

Native fruiting shrub , White flower clusters, berries for syrup and jam, Thrives in moist soil

Featured Reviews

4.9 (60 reviews) View all reviews See all

Karl Newman

hi, it's really too soon to be giving a review. my plants arrived 4 days ago and I put them in the ground yesterday. as you said, they look like ****

Joseph Hubbard

Very happy with services.

Justin Harris

These guys pack well. They communicated well and every time I have ordered they have given extra. My plans are already budding. Thanks so much. I'd recommend them to anyone.

About this plant

Elderberry Tree Details

An elderberry tree is one of the most rewarding native fruit plants you can grow. In early summer it is covered in broad, lacy plates of creamy white flowers; by late summer those flowers have turned into heavy, drooping clusters of dark purple berries for syrups, jams, pies and wine. TN Nursery's elderberry is the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), a fast-growing native shrub that can be grown as a multi-stemmed bush or a small tree. It ships bare root in 1–2, 2–3 and 3–4 foot sizes, and single-plant orders are Buy 1 Get 1 Free, which gives you the pair you want for the best berry harvest.

Elderberry Tree at a Glance

  • Botanical name: Sambucus canadensis (also listed as Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis)
  • Common names: American elderberry, elderberry bush, common elder, black elderberry
  • Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3–9
  • Mature size: 6–12 feet tall and wide
  • Growth rate: Fast; often fruits within 1–2 years of planting
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of sun for the heaviest crops
  • Soil: Moist, rich soil is ideal; adapts to clay, loam and wet ground
  • Bloom time: June–July, white flower clusters
  • Harvest: Late July through September
  • Shipped as: Bare-root plant, 1–4 feet

Grow Your Own Elderberries

Elderberries have been a pantry staple in American homes for centuries. Gardeners grow them for homemade elderberry syrup, jelly, jam, pie filling and wine, while the fragrant flowers are used for elderflower cordial, tea and fritters. A healthy, established elderberry bush can produce several pounds of fruit each season.

To harvest, clip whole clusters when nearly all the berries are dark purple, then strip the berries from the stems with a fork. Ripe elderberries are cooked before eating, which is how traditional syrups, jams and pies use them. They freeze well for winter use.

Why Plant an Elderberry Tree?

  • Fast results. Elderberry is one of the quickest fruit plants to bear, often producing berries in its first or second summer.
  • Two seasons of beauty. Flat white flower heads up to 10 inches across in early summer, then purple-black fruit clusters in late summer.
  • A bird magnet. More than 50 species of birds eat elderberries, including bluebirds, cardinals, catbirds, orioles and cedar waxwings.
  • Pollinator friendly. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and hoverflies.
  • Thrives in wet spots. Elderberry grows naturally along creeks and pond edges, so it is perfect for low areas, rain gardens and streambanks where it also helps control erosion.
  • Low maintenance. It needs little more than water in dry spells and a light pruning in late winter.

Where to Plant Elderberry

Plant elderberry in a sunny spot with soil that stays reasonably moist. It fits well in a home orchard, an edible landscape, a hedgerow along a property line, a wildlife planting near a pond or a naturalized corner of the yard. Elderberry sends up new canes from the base and gradually forms a lush, dense stand, so it makes a fast, attractive privacy screen. It pairs naturally with other wet-ground natives such as buttonbush, spicebush and deciduous holly.

How to Plant and Care for Elderberry

  1. Soak the bare roots for an hour or two before planting.
  2. Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots and plant slightly deeper than the plant grew in the nursery.
  3. Water thoroughly and mulch with 2–3 inches of wood chips or straw to keep the shallow roots cool and moist.
  4. Space plants 6–8 feet apart. Plant at least two for cross-pollination and a larger, more reliable berry crop.
  5. Water about 1 inch per week during the first growing season.
  6. Each late winter, remove dead canes and any canes older than three years to keep the bush productive.

Elderberry FAQ

How long does it take an elderberry tree to produce fruit?

Elderberries often bear a small crop in the first or second year after planting and reach full production by the third year.

Do I need two elderberry plants?

Elderberries set some fruit on their own, but planting two or more close together improves pollination and produces noticeably larger harvests.

Is an elderberry a tree or a bush?

American elderberry is naturally a multi-stemmed shrub. With pruning to a single main stem, it can be grown as a small tree, which is why many people call it an elderberry tree.

Where does elderberry grow best?

Elderberry grows best in full sun to light shade with moist, fertile soil, across USDA zones 3–9.

When do elderberries ripen?

Elderberries ripen from late July through September, depending on your climate.

One of TN Nursery's Best Sellers

Elderberry is one of the most popular plants we grow at TN Nursery, a family-owned Tennessee nursery founded in 1959. Our customers give it a 4.8-star average across dozens of reviews. For larger plantings, see our bulk Black American elderberry seedlings and elderberry live stakes. You can also shop more fruit and berry plants or learn more in our elderberry growing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy elderberry plants in pairs to get a good crop of berries?

One plant will often give you some fruit, but two or more elderberry plants growing near each other cross-pollinate. That usually means bigger clusters and more berries, and the Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer makes planting a pair easy.
Are elderberry trees easy to grow?

They tolerate various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil, thrive in moist areas, and need very little care once established. Their roots are shallow, so mulch to ensure they retain moisture and keep the soil moist throughout the first summer. Every late winter, all you have to do is prune old stems to make space for younger, stronger canes.
When is the best time to plant elderberry trees?

Plant elderberry trees during the dormant season, from late fall through early spring, for the best results, and plant as soon as they arrive. Soak the roots in water for 30 minutes to an hour, plant at the depth they grew and water regularly through the first summer.
How tall does an elderberry tree get?

Most grow about 6 to 12 feet tall and just as wide, forming a full, rounded shape. They produce white blooms in early summer, followed by clusters of dark berries that are great for cooking. Their manageable size and beauty make them perfect for gardens and wildlife areas.
Where should I plant my elderberry tree?

Plant your elderberry tree in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in open areas like garden edges or along fences where it has room to spread. With sunlight and steady moisture, it grows strong and produces plenty of berries each year.
Root system of a plant on soil with a trowel nearby

Why Buy Bare Root Plants From TN Nursery?

Since 1959, TN Nursery has grown and shipped quality bare root plants nationwide. Shipped during dormancy, bare-root plants develop strong root systems and establish quickly. Our experienced team carefully harvests and packages every order, providing growers with trusted plants backed by over 65 years of nursery experience.

Learn More About

Bare root trees
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Homegrown Harvest:

Growing your own elderberry bush gives you fresh, high-quality berries for homemade jams, jellies, syrups, pies and elderberry wine, plus fragrant elderflowers for cordials and teas.


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Versatile and Attractive Elderberry Bush:

The Elderberry bush is a versatile medium-sized shrub with distinctive opposite compound leaves and clusters of tiny, creamy-white or pale pink flowers, followed by dark purple-black berries arranged in umbrella-like clusters. It adds beauty and structure to landscaping with its attractive foliage

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Attracts Wildlife: 

The fragrant flowers and dark berries of Elderberry bushes attract a range of wildlife, including birds and pollinators. This makes them a great choice for enhancing the biodiversity and natural appeal of your garden.


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Seasonal Interest: 

These bushes offer year-round interest, with striking clusters of creamy white flowers in June and July, followed by dark purple berries in August and September. Their foliage also provides a lush backdrop throughout the growing season.


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Product Highlight

  • 5 stars: 51 (85%)
  • 4 stars: 9 (15%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
A
Ann
The Elderberry shrubs i bought are doing really

The Elderberry shrubs I bought are doing really well. Thank you again!

Ann review photo
J
Julie
Good

Good 🍬

Julie review photo Julie review photo
J
JaboneraNatural
Elderberries have very strong rootstocks!

About a month after planting the elderberries I received, one of my goats got into the front yard & was running along the fence line where I had the elderberries planted. Two of them were savaged, and one was broken off about 6" above the ground.

I put "cages" of dog wire around each plant, and reinforced the goat pen gate. That little elderberry that got snapped off is now 2 feet tall and growing like mad. Just wanted to say that I appreciate quality, healthy rootstock. Poor baby was barely established when it had to come back from almost nothing. Did it like a champ!

Heat has hit South Alabama. I don't want to receive anything killed in transit, so I'll be waiting to order when the heat breaks this fall.

I have ordered not just the elderberries, but chicory, 2 peach trees, 2 mulberry trees, and 2 aronia bushes. The quality each time has been above my expectations.

I'm going to need some persimmons, paw-paws, plums, quince, apricot, and pear trees... And I'm wanting Nanking & Cornelian cherry and some hazelnuts as well. I'm afraid you guys have a new customer for life. If only you had jujube trees!

T
Tim
Elderberry trees

Exactly what we wanted! Thank you for everything!

J
Jami
Fast arrival

I received my plants one week after I ordered them and they already had new growth

D
Dale F.
Elderberry tree

I received the plants and I am absolutely elated with them. Lots of roots and in very good shape. Also. very prompt delivery

M
Mary Potts
Mulberries

I ordered two mulberries last spring just trying your nursery out because I have ordered from others places bare root and they ****. But your mulberries not only came to life but have grown tremendously. So I will be ordering from u from now on

B
Benjamin Kessler, Pennsylvania
Outstanding Elderberry Plants for Berry Lovers

I couldn’t be happier with my Elderberry plants from TN Nursery. They were carefully packaged, arrived fresh, and are already showing buds. I’m excited for future harvests.

O
Olivia Harrington, Illinois
Reliable Elderberry Plants With Remarkable Growth

The Elderberry shrubs I got from TN Nursery are showing incredible resilience. Even in my unpredictable climate, they are thriving and adjusting well. Great investment for long-term benefits.

H
Henry Lawson, North Carolina
Elderberry Plants That Bring Garden Charm

I love how the Elderberry plants I purchased are not only functional for fruiting but also add visual appeal. TN Nursery truly delivers ornamental and productive value in one plant.

S
Samantha Caldwell, Minnesota
Exceptional Elderberry Plants With Strong Roots

TN Nursery provided Elderberry plants with well-developed root systems, making transplanting effortless. The growth has been vigorous, and I look forward to enjoying the berries in the coming seasons.

M
Matthew Dorsett, Virginia
Fast-Growing Elderberry Shrubs That Exceed Expectations

These Elderberry plants from TN Nursery established faster than any other shrubs I’ve purchased elsewhere. The stems are sturdy, and the foliage is already filling out beautifully. A must-buy for garden enthusiasts.

C
Caroline Fletcher, Ohio
Superior Quality Elderberry Plants for Home Gardens

I was impressed by the robust packaging and the vitality of my Elderberry plants from TN Nursery. They took to the soil quickly and have shown steady progress. Perfect for anyone wanting reliable berry production.

D
Daisy White, Florida
Healthy Elderberry Plants Arrived Thriving

The Elderberry plants I ordered from TN Nursery came in excellent condition—lush roots and vibrant stems. Within weeks of planting, new growth appeared, and I can already see this shrub becoming a focal point in my garden.

K
Karl Newman
early days

hi, it's really too soon to be giving a review. my plants arrived 4 days ago and I put them in the ground yesterday. as you said, they look like **** sticks with **** roots on them. in this weather they shoud perk up soon.

J
Joseph Hubbard
Easy and correct

Very happy with services.

J
Justin Harris
Nice plants. Generous store with good hipping

These guys pack well. They communicated well and every time I have ordered they have given extra. My plans are already budding.

Thanks so much. I'd recommend them to anyone.

P
Paul Johnson
Elderberry Bush 3’-4’

Packaging was really great. Roots were wrapped, and kept moist during shipping. Had new leaves already starting. Can’t wait to see how much they grow this first year.

M
Meta Robinson
Elderberry bush

Very good quality berry plants. Would not hesitate to buy from this nursery again!

C
Christopher Munz
Satisfied customer

My order was quick and the quality of my plants were great. The dormant plants after planting are now showing new growth.

D
Don Murphy

Won't know until they start growing

W
William Landrum
Great quality!

Packaging was great! Trees were in perfect condition. Great company! I will certainly be back!

K
Kristine Richardson
Elderberry 1-2’

Only gave a 4 star because I don’t know if they will grow and produce. That will take time. They were delivered promptly and safe packaging. I plan on purchasing more products at a later date.

S
Sandra Firth
Elderberry

I love my Elderberry bushes. They arrived in perfect shape. Thank you so much.

T
Timothy Hudson
Nice!

Great looking plants , came in well packed, hope to see them grow!

M
Matthew Dyer

Very satisfied, with customer service, quick delivery , all around great experience!

A
Alex Richardson
Healthy Elderberry Root Stock Plants

The plants arrived early and received extra with my order. Can’t beat that.

R
Rebecca Bakalian
Elderberry bush

My elderberry bush arrived within a timely manner and wasn't damaged in shipping. I can't wait until it starts producing.

I
Inda Powell
Great condition

Bush was in great condition came ready to plant! Packaged excellent.

T
TERI HAZEL
Elderberry

They are great and shipped quickly

D
Destiny Broom
So excited!

I bought 4 elderberry bushes during the BOGO free sale. I was delighted to find out an extra one was sent as well! Packaged with care and fast delivery. I’ve planted them, and now I’m excited to care for them and watch them grow! I’ve already recommended a few people to this company. I will definitely be ordering again!