Elderberry, Wyldewood

Wyldewood Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis 'Wyldewood')

A vigorous and highly productive variety, Wyldewood elderberry is prized for its large, nutrient-rich berries and adaptability to diverse growing conditions. Selected from wild populations in Oklahoma, this variety produces abundant clusters of deep purple-black berries known for their high antioxidant content and immune-supporting properties. Its late-blooming nature extends the elderberry season, making it a great complement to earlier-ripening varieties. In addition to its fruit production, Wyldewood attracts pollinators with its fragrant white flowers and supports wildlife with its late-summer berries.

Key Characteristics

• Late-Blooming Variety for Extended Elderberry Harvests
  Unlike many elderberries, Wyldewood blooms later in the season, reducing the risk of frost damage and extending the elderberry harvest window when grown alongside earlier-ripening varieties.

• Abundant, High-Quality Berries for Syrups, Wines, and Herbal Remedies
  Wyldewood produces heavy yields of large, dark purple elderberries packed with antioxidants. The berries are excellent for making immune-boosting syrups, wines, jellies, and teas.

• Pollinator Magnet with Fragrant White Blooms
  In early to mid-summer, Wyldewood elderberry produces large, showy clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The flowers can also be harvested for teas and syrups.

• Thrives in Food Forests, Hedgerows, and Permaculture Systems
  A fast-growing, adaptable shrub, Wyldewood tolerates a variety of soil conditions and works well in food forests, riparian plantings, hedgerows, and other regenerative agriculture systems.

• Best Yields with Cross-Pollination
  While Wyldewood is partially self-fertile, planting it alongside another elderberry variety, such as Adams or York, significantly improves fruit set and overall yields.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern and Central North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to wet, well-drained
• Mature Height: 8-12 feet
• Bloom Time: June - July
• Bloom Color: White
• Fruit Qualities: Large, dark purple-black berries; late-ripening
• Fruit Uses: Syrups, wines, jellies, teas, medicinal preparations
• Fruit Ripening: August - September
• Pollination Requirements: Partially self-fertile, but higher yields with another elderberry variety (Adams or York)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

With its late bloom time, heavy fruit production, and strong pollinator appeal, Wyldewood elderberry is a top choice for food forests, hedgerows, and medicinal gardens.