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Difference between revisions of "European Elder"
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==News About Elder Tree== | ==News About Elder Tree== | ||
'''Ample rewards for planting elderberry''' | |||
*Source:http://www.fdlreporter.com/story/life/2016/10/10/ample-rewards-planting-elderberry/91848888/ | |||
:By Carol Shirk (For USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin) | |||
Fruits grown in the home landscape always seem to taste better than anything purchased. Even better is something grown in natural surroundings. Elderberry is native to Wisconsin, although few people have been introduced to its fragrant, edible flowers and delicious berries. | |||
Elderberry (Sambucus) is native to Central Europe and North America. It grows freely along roadsides, forest edges and in abandoned fields. It prefers cool, moist locations, high in organic matter, with full to part sun. These plants can tolerate some shade, but will not tolerate drought or hot, dry conditions. | |||
The American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) grows wild in zones 3-8 and reaches a mature height of 10 to 12 feet. The European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is hardy in zones 4-8, blooms earlier than the American and is significantly taller, up to 20 feet. There is a red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), however those berries are poisonous. | |||
Efforts to improve the native elderberry began in the 20th century and in 1926, the “Adams” cultivars were introduced through research in New York. Further breeding in New York and Canada resulted in “Johns,” “Nova,” “Scotia,” “Kent” and “Victoria” being released in the '50s and '60s that still are widely planted today as reliable, vigorous producers. | |||
If elderberry is not available in the wild, planting one in the landscape is a good option and there is more than one reward for growing elderberry. The 8- to 10-inch white, spring-blooming flowers, can be made into a delicious fritter. The dark purple, fall-produced berries, although bitter on their own, make tasty pies, jams, juices, teas and wines. The berries contain more vitamin C than oranges, and also are high in vitamins A and B as well as antioxidants. Historically, they have been used to treat respiratory problems, colds and flu. | |||
Birds and wildlife are particularly fond of the berries as well, so they never go to waste. If the homeowner doesn’t want to go to the trouble to harvest, the birds will happily take care of the task. | |||
Although spring planting is best for these bushes, preparing the planting area in the fall is ideal. Remove all weeds, especially quack grass and any other aggressive-type plants; incorporate organic matter including well-rotted manure, compost or chopped leaves. As always when planting a new specimen, take a soil sample and send it in for analysis. Instructions for doing so may be obtained in the bulletin “Sampling Lawn and Garden Soils for Soil Testing” (A2166), available through the county Extension office. | |||
Elderberry needs two cultivars planted near each other for cross pollination in order to get good berry production. Space plants about 5 feet apart and plant them with the lowest branches at or just below soil level. Water thoroughly at planting and any time moisture is lacking. Fruit will not set consistently until the second year. | |||
Flowers and fruit are produced on both the current season’s shoots and on older wood. So, pruning is not as complicated as some fruit-bearing bushes. Prune out any broken or dead canes and leave six to eight canes per bush to continue to produce. The second and third year laterals will produce most heavily. | |||
Continue to cultivate lightly to maintain good weed control; add 3 to 4 inches of good organic mulch to improve weed suppression and moisture retention. There are a few pests known to affect elderberry; however, good weed management and pruning will largely keep them at bay. When harvest time comes, enjoy the bounty of your work! | |||
Happy gardening. | |||
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'''Herb to Know: Elder ''' | '''Herb to Know: Elder ''' | ||
*Source:http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-37 | *Source:http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-37 | ||