Bare Root Pocahontas Elderberry Tree

Pocahontas Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis ‘Pocahontas’) produces some of the largest flower cymes and berry clusters of any cultivar. With blooms and fruiting heads that can reach up to twenty-four inches across, Pocahontas stands out for both productivity and visual impact. It's one of our top picks for commercial growers or home gardeners who want a large yield from just a few plants.

Because it blooms later than many other varieties, Pocahontas grows best in moderate to long-season regions. It's best suited for mid-range and southern states (hardiness zones 6-8), delivering exceptional yields and vigorous growth.

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 Pocahontas Elderberry?

• Extra Large Flower and Berry Heads: Produces remarkably large cymes and clusters, often up to twenty four inches across.
  
• Vigorous Growth: Fast growing plants with strong upright canes and excellent fruit set.
  
• High Yield Potential: Known for producing abundant clusters that outperform many standard varieties.
  
• Later Blooming Variety: Ideal for regions with longer growing seasons where full ripening can occur.
  
• Unique and Highly Desired: A newer cultivar that brings both productivity and ornamental value.
  
• Limited Availability: Due to strong demand and limited supply, we cap quantities to allow more growers the chance to try this exciting cultivar.

Medicinal and Nutritional Benefits

Pocahontas elderberries provide a nutrient dense harvest rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, and beneficial flavonoids known to support immune health and overall wellness. Like other American elderberries, they have been used in traditional herbalism for supporting respiratory health, easing seasonal discomforts, and strengthening natural defenses. Their large berry clusters offer generous yields ideal for syrups, jellies, tinctures, teas, wines, and homemade remedies, making this variety especially appealing to both home herbalists and culinary enthusiasts.

Planting and Growing Instructions

1. Location: Full sun to partial shade encourages strong growth and abundant fruiting.
2. Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
3. Spacing: Plant 2 to 4 feet apart in rows spaced 10 to 14 feet apart for healthy airflow and ease of maintenance.
4. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during establishment. Continue regular watering during dry periods for best production.
5. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove older stems and encourage new first year canes, which bear the highest quality fruit.

Pro Tips for Success

• Best for Longer Growing Seasons: Pocahontas blooms later than many varieties, so gardeners in northern or short season regions may experience partial ripening.
  
• Increase Yields with Multiple Varieties: Although elderberries are semi self fertile, pairing Pocahontas with varieties such as Adams, Johns, Ranch, or Wyldewood can improve yields.
  
• Ideal for Abundant Processing Harvests: The unusually large berry heads make harvesting efficient and ideal for syrup making, freezing, and preserving.

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 on our Coop farms using natural growing methods, no chemicals used.

Which Elderberry Should I Grow?  

Elderberry Growing Instruction Guide