Bare Root East Grove Elderberry Tree

Selected in eastern Iowa for its exceptional resilience and robust growth, East Grove will grow just about anywhere north of I-70. It's very cold hard, tends to grow densely, and flowers early compared to most other varieties. Due to its fast growth rate, with proper fertility East Grove often produces a solid harvest by the second year.

SHIPPING INFO: Bare root plants generally ship March-May.

SIZE: Our bare root elderberries are usually between 12-16 inches (both trunk and root system). Typically elderberry plants do not grow over 12 feet tall, making them a woody shrub instead of a true tree.

The Bare Root Advantage:

• Head Start on Harvest: Bare root elderberry plants are 1–2 years old with established root systems, meaning you can expect flowers and fruit 1–2 years sooner than starting from cuttings.
• Higher Early Survival Rate: With a developed root system already in place, bare root plants establish more quickly and are more drought tolerant in their first season than cuttings.
• Plant Directly in the Ground: No rooting required. Bareroot plants go straight into your garden bed or field planting as soon as they arrive.

Why Choose East Grove Elderberry?

• Abundant Harvests: Produces heavy clusters of dark purple black berries ideal for syrups, wines, jams, fresh use, and juicing.
  
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and compounds that support immune health.
  
• Cold Hardy and Adaptable: Thrives across Zones 3 through 9 with exceptional vigor even in harsh conditions.
  
• Fast Growing and Vigorous: Grows six to ten feet tall with a dense, multi stemmed habit and reliable annual yields.
  
• Pollinator and Wildlife Friendly: Creamy white blossoms attract bees and butterflies, while ripe berries feed a variety of wildlife.
  
• Earlier Flowering: Flowers sooner than varieties such as Pocahontas, helping ensure earlier fruit set in short season climates.

Medicinal and Nutritional Benefits

East Grove elderberries offer the same nutrient rich wellness benefits found in high quality American elderberries. Packed with anthocyanins, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, flavonoids, and immune supporting compounds, they have long been valued in herbal traditions for promoting respiratory health, supporting natural immunity, and providing seasonal wellness support. Their dark, antioxidant dense berries are ideal for syrups, teas, tinctures, culinary recipes, and homemade remedies, offering both nutritional and functional value.

Planting and Growing Instructions

1. Location: Full sun to partial shade provides the best growth and fruiting.
2. Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
3. Spacing: Space plants 2 to 4 feet apart in rows spaced 10 to 14 feet apart for airflow and production.
4. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment. Once rooted, maintain regular watering during dry periods.
5. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead canes and encourage vigorous new growth, as berries form on current year stems.

Pro Tips for Success

• Cross Pollination: Plant with another American elderberry variety to maximize yields and encourage strong fruit set.
  
• Harvesting: Pick clusters when berries reach a rich dark purple black color for peak flavor and nutrient content. American elderberries can be eaten when ripe but are commonly cooked for enhanced flavor and versatility.
  
• Wildlife and Beauty: Excellent for hedgerows, privacy screens, and pollinator gardens. Offers strong ecological benefits and ornamental value.
  

Non-GMO Commitment: At Growing Farmers and The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and not genetically modified in any way, upholding natural breeding methods and promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices.

Growing method: Grown at Farm on Central using natural growing methods, no chemicals used.

Which Elderberry Should I Grow?  

Elderberry Growing Instruction Guide