Food Forest Plants
Food Forest Plants
Sorry, I am not allowed to ship to WA, TAS, NT, and I don’t ship internationally!
$16.50
10 in stock
Elderberry Plant (Sambucus Canadensis) – Supplied in Forestry Tube
Elderberry plant: a magic tree for herbal concoctions, syrups, teas, cordials and wine. Easy-to-grow plant for many climates.
Note: The elderberries we send are currently in forestry tubes and quite small. However, they grow very fast. If your conditions are harsh, it’s better to transplant the elderberry into a bigger pot and plant it out in autumn.
Apart from their medicinal properties, elderberry flowers are very useful in the kitchen. You can dip the flowers in pancake batter and fry them, make a delicious cordial, wine, or even elderflower champagne.
Elderberry flower tea is used to soothe, reduce inflammation, or as a diuretic. The flowers are taken for various ailments including coughs, colds, and constipation. Elderberry is also used as an immune booster, likely supported by anthocyanidins in the berries, which are known to have immunostimulant effects. Elderflower may help with diabetes: research shows that extracts stimulate glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, lowering blood sugar levels. The flowers contain Vitamin C and rutin, both strong antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer.
Elderberry trees love nitrogen. Give them chicken manure or plenty of compost for best results. A lack of nitrogen shows as weak, yellowing plants. Elderberries grow best as an understory to a higher tree canopy, but they will also grow in full sun if the roots are kept cool and moist.
The plant I used to sell as Sambucus nigra is actually Sambucus canadensis. In fact, Sambucus nigra is unlikely to fruit here in Port Stephens, it needs a cool-temperate climate.
Many Elderberries sold by Australian nurseries are actually mislabelled.
Both plants are closely related, but the flowers of the Canadensis form are less fragrant.
If you have an elderberry and want to know which one it is, here are the key differences:
| Feature | Sambucus nigra (European elder) | Sambucus canadensis (American elder) |
|---|---|---|
| Native region | Europe | Eastern North America |
| Plant size & habit | Smaller shrub/tree (2–6 m), upright or multi-stem | Larger, bushy shrub (3–7 m), spreading |
| Leaves | 5–7 leaflets, narrower, finely serrated, matte green | 5–11 leaflets, broader, coarser serration, glossy |
| Stems / bark | Green young stems, hollow pith; older bark grey-brown, ridged | Green to reddish stems, hollow; older bark darker, rougher |
| Flowers | Creamy-white, flat clusters (10–20 cm), strongly fragrant | Creamy-white, clusters slightly more open, less fragrant |
| Berries | Smaller, dark purple-black, tart | Larger, bluish-black, sweeter |
| Climate / suitability in Australia | Prefers cool-temperate; may struggle in subtropical/warm temperate zones | Hardy in warmer/subtropical areas; fruits reliably |
Both, the European and the American Elderberries have nearly the same medicinal uses:
| Plant Part | Sambucus nigra (European elder) | Sambucus canadensis (American elder) |
|---|---|---|
| Flowers |
Used for teas, infusions, syrups. Properties: anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, mild cold/flu relief. Safe fresh or dried. |
Same uses and properties as S. nigra. Slightly larger flowers; mild cold/flu relief. Safe fresh or dried. |
| Berries |
Edible when cooked or processed. Properties: immune support, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Raw berries are toxic. |
Same uses and properties as S. nigra. Usually sweeter and slightly larger. Raw berries are toxic; cook before use. |
Disclaimer:
We love plants as much as you do! All plants sold by Food Forest Plants are intended for ornamental, educational, or gardening purposes. Some may have traditional culinary or medicinal uses, but we cannot give medical advice—please consult a qualified professional before consuming or using any plant. We take great care in labelling, but mistakes can happen. Food Forest Plants is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other effects from using, handling, or consuming plants. Use at your own risk.
Elderberry Plant (Sambucus Canadensis) – Supplied in Forestry Tube
Elderberry plant: a magic tree for herbal concoctions, syrups, teas, cordials and wine. Easy-to-grow plant for many climates.
Note: The elderberries we send are currently in forestry tubes and quite small. However, they grow very fast. If your conditions are harsh, it’s better to transplant the elderberry into a bigger pot and plant it out in autumn.
Apart from their medicinal properties, elderberry flowers are very useful in the kitchen. You can dip the flowers in pancake batter and fry them, make a delicious cordial, wine, or even elderflower champagne.
Elderberry flower tea is used to soothe, reduce inflammation, or as a diuretic. The flowers are taken for various ailments including coughs, colds, and constipation. Elderberry is also used as an immune booster, likely supported by anthocyanidins in the berries, which are known to have immunostimulant effects. Elderflower may help with diabetes: research shows that extracts stimulate glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, lowering blood sugar levels. The flowers contain Vitamin C and rutin, both strong antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer.
Elderberry trees love nitrogen. Give them chicken manure or plenty of compost for best results. A lack of nitrogen shows as weak, yellowing plants. Elderberries grow best as an understory to a higher tree canopy, but they will also grow in full sun if the roots are kept cool and moist.
The plant I used to sell as Sambucus nigra is actually Sambucus canadensis. In fact, Sambucus nigra is unlikely to fruit here in Port Stephens, it needs a cool-temperate climate.
Many Elderberries sold by Australian nurseries are actually mislabelled.
Both plants are closely related, but the flowers of the Canadensis form are less fragrant.
If you have an elderberry and want to know which one it is, here are the key differences:
| Feature | Sambucus nigra (European elder) | Sambucus canadensis (American elder) |
|---|---|---|
| Native region | Europe | Eastern North America |
| Plant size & habit | Smaller shrub/tree (2–6 m), upright or multi-stem | Larger, bushy shrub (3–7 m), spreading |
| Leaves | 5–7 leaflets, narrower, finely serrated, matte green | 5–11 leaflets, broader, coarser serration, glossy |
| Stems / bark | Green young stems, hollow pith; older bark grey-brown, ridged | Green to reddish stems, hollow; older bark darker, rougher |
| Flowers | Creamy-white, flat clusters (10–20 cm), strongly fragrant | Creamy-white, clusters slightly more open, less fragrant |
| Berries | Smaller, dark purple-black, tart | Larger, bluish-black, sweeter |
| Climate / suitability in Australia | Prefers cool-temperate; may struggle in subtropical/warm temperate zones | Hardy in warmer/subtropical areas; fruits reliably |
Both, the European and the American Elderberries have nearly the same medicinal uses:
| Plant Part | Sambucus nigra (European elder) | Sambucus canadensis (American elder) |
|---|---|---|
| Flowers |
Used for teas, infusions, syrups. Properties: anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, mild cold/flu relief. Safe fresh or dried. |
Same uses and properties as S. nigra. Slightly larger flowers; mild cold/flu relief. Safe fresh or dried. |
| Berries |
Edible when cooked or processed. Properties: immune support, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory. Raw berries are toxic. |
Same uses and properties as S. nigra. Usually sweeter and slightly larger. Raw berries are toxic; cook before use. |
Disclaimer:
We love plants as much as you do! All plants sold by Food Forest Plants are intended for ornamental, educational, or gardening purposes. Some may have traditional culinary or medicinal uses, but we cannot give medical advice—please consult a qualified professional before consuming or using any plant. We take great care in labelling, but mistakes can happen. Food Forest Plants is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other effects from using, handling, or consuming plants. Use at your own risk.