Paula

If you are growing it for fruit, you should plant another S. canadensis variety with it. You can place it quite close to your first plant and let them grow together if you like. If you planted a seedling, you can plant another seedling (but not a sucker from the same plant) for pollenization. Varieties known for good fruit include Johns, Adams and Nova. One Green World sells Johns and Nova. Ornamental varieties include Aurea, Lacinata and Maxima. They would probably also work for pollination and would likely give you some fruit, too (though not of the quality of the types developed for fruit).

Be aware that there are other elderberries besides the American Elderberry which are native to the Americas. The kinds with red fruit must be cooked before eating.

Does the elderberry like acidic or regular soil types. And what are the berries like with the American elderberry. My hubby has dreams of trying to make elderberry wine when the plant is more mature and has berries. So what plant would be th ebest to get for the match for the American Elderberry. Thanks

Paula

If you want the best fruit quality, I would get one or two of the named varieties of American Elderberry developed for their fruit, such as Adams, Johns or Nova. If you bought your plant commercially, it may be one of these varieties. So, just to be sure, I would probably get two more plants (one each of two varieties) to ensure pollination. Other species of elderberry may or may not pollinate the American Elderberry.

Below in information on the 'York' elderberry, with pictures of the flowers and fruit.

Sambucus canadensis is the Scientific Name
American Elderberry is the Common Name

York, Adams and Nova are variety or cultivar names of the American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis).

If you paid more than a few dollars for your plant, it is likely to be a named variety like York, Adams or Nova. If you didn't pay very much, it may be grown from a cutting of an unnamed variety or it may be a seedling. If it is a seedling, you only need one named variety (or another seedling) to pollinate it. If you get another unnamed plant, get it from a different supplier than the first plant.

Named varieties are the best bets for good fruit. The varieties Adams and Johns have been grown together for decades because they usually bloom at the same time and have better fruit than most seedlings. I think Nova is a newer named variety, and there are other named varieties, too. Check the links above for characteristics of each variety.

White Edle Berries are supposed to Be more sweet according to what I've been reading I guess it Might Have somthing to do with The Tannin in the Red Edleberries.

Thanks,

Vera