Wyldewood American Elderberry
Best edible shrub for home gardeners seeking nutrient-rich harvests.
The Wyldewood Elderberry is a vigorous, native American shrub celebrated for its large, fragrant flowers and abundant edible berries. Growing up to 8 feet tall and wide, it produces impressive flower heads that mature into clusters of sweet, dark purple-black berries, rich in antioxidants and ideal for jams, pies, and wines. This adaptable plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it a versatile addition to edible landscapes, cottage gardens, or wildlife gardens. It's partially self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination with other elderberry varieties for increased berry production.
$69.97
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1597
/ 2598
#1597 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+78%
Above average
USDA Growing Zones
39
/ a-b
Who it's for
- Wellness-focused individuals seeking natural immune support
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting a hardy, adaptable shrub
- Home cooks interested in harvesting and preserving their own fruit
Who should skip it
- Hands-off gardeners who prefer low-maintenance, non-pruning plants
- Busy gardeners looking for snacks ready to eat raw
- Urban gardeners with limited yard or landscape space
Performance breakdown
Yield Potential
Massive flower heads translate to heavy, reliable harvests for home cooks.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives across a vast range of USDA zones with minimal fuss.
Culinary Versatility
Berries excel in everything from artisanal syrups to homemade wine.
Ornamental Appeal
Fragrant summer blooms provide significant aesthetic value to any landscape.
Pollination Requirements
Requires a companion variety to reach its full fruiting capacity.
Growth Vigor
Establishes quickly and fills out garden spaces with impressive speed.
Key Specs
USDA Growing Zones
3a-9b
Plant Type
Fruit Bush, North American Native, Shrub
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Sunlight
Full Sun (min 6 hours), AM Sun w/ PM Shade, AM Shade w/ PM Sun, All Day Filtered Sun
Plant Height
6' to 8'
Plant Width
6' to 8'
Bloom Season
Summer
Soil Moisture
Moist But Well-Drained, Dry
Features
- Features very large flower heads, up to a foot wide.
- Produces abundant large clusters of sweet, dark purple-black berries.
- Berries are high in nutrients and antioxidants.
- Flowers have a lemony fragrance.
- Excellent for pies, jams, syrups, and wine.
- Adaptable and grows in most of the United States.
- Native American plant.
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the Wyldewood American Elderberry, primarily praising the exceptional quality of the plants upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the healthy, robust condition of the elderberry plants and the careful, secure packaging. This leads to a high degree of reliability, as many report successful planting and vigorous growth, often exceeding their expectations. The consistent health and vitality of the plants contribute significantly to a positive overall experience, reinforcing trust in the product and the supplier.
Know before you buy
While the Wyldewood is partially self-fertile, it will produce a significantly larger harvest if cross-pollinated with another American elderberry variety. Planting two different varieties nearby is recommended for maximum berry yields.
The Wyldewood Elderberry grows to a mature size of 6 to 8 feet in both height and width. You should space them at least 6 to 8 feet apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth.
Due to its vigorous growth habit and mature size of up to 8 feet, this shrub is best suited for in-ground planting. It requires significant root space to thrive and produce its signature large flower heads and berry clusters.
This plant is quite adaptable but performs best in soil that is moist yet well-drained. While it can handle various soil types, ensuring the ground does not remain waterlogged is key to its health.
Elderberries should always be cooked before consumption, as raw berries can cause digestive upset. They are excellent for processing into jams, jellies, pies, syrups, and wines.
For the best flowering and fruit production, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but full sun exposure generally results in a more vigorous plant and a heavier harvest.
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$70