If you think of the elderberry as just a weed tree, think again. Apart from it’s health effects on the human body, elderberry can be useful in the garden too. So here are 4 benefits of growing elderberry trees.
What is a Elderberry Tree?
Members of the Adoxaceae family of plants, there are several different varieties of the sambucus tree. The most common is sambucus nigra European or black elderberry. It can grow up to 30 feet ( 9 metres) in height with white flowers turning to clusters of black berries.
Some grow more as shrubs than trees but they all can be quite invasive for more information on elderberries go to this link at the University of Nebraska.
The flowers can be used to make elder flower champagne and the berries are used to make elderberry wine and jam. But the benefits I want to tell you about are for uses in the garden.
4 Benefits Of Growing Elderberry Trees
The 4 benefits of growing elderberry trees will certainly make solving some of your gardening problems easier. But be warned, the elderberry tree has a wild nature, if not checked it will reach unattainable heights, and it spreads by runners. These runners need to be removed or your garden will soon be over run with elderberry trees.
If that isn’t bad enough, the birds eat the ripe black elderberries and then spread the seeds far and wide. So be on the lookout for young elderberry shoots springing up.
Some people have allergic reactions to elder flowers and berries, and unless ripe, the berries are poisonous. Only consume ripe berries and if making jams or pies make sure to cook the berries first.
The 4 Benefits Of Growing Elderberry Trees To Gardeners
#1 Bringing beneficial Wildlife into your garden
Many pollinating insects and wild birds are attracted to the elderberry tree. Including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The birds come predominantly for the berries but some are after the insects too.
For more information on why it’s important to encourage predators into your garden click here.
#2 Elderberry Leaf Spray
A insect repelling spray can be made by placing elderberry leaves in a bucket full of water and allowing to steep for a week. Strain this into a spray bottle and apply to plants to keep away the following pests:-
- Aphids
- Cucumber Beetles
- Carrot Root Fly
- Peach Tree Borers
Apply liberally and respray after heavy watering or rain.
#3 Get Rid Of Moles
If your garden has problems with moles, place elderberry branches and flowers in the mole holes and runs to banish this pest.
#4 Speed Up Composting
To speed up the composition process in compost bins and heaps add elderberry leaves and shredded branches to compost heaps and bins. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much quicker the pile will rot down.
The elderberry tree can become invasive but as long as you keep on top of new shoots, it is a very beneficial plant for the organic gardener. Plus you get jam and wine. 🙂
