How to Grow Elder Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Elder tree is a shrub that can reach a height of 15 feet. It has clusters of small white flowers that appear in the spring, and small black berries that ripen in the fall. The elder tree is found in North America, Europe, and Asia.

How to Grow Elder Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Elderberry
  • Black elder
  • European elder
  • Common elder
  • Sambucus

Basic info

  • Elder trees are large shrubs or small trees that can grow up to 30 feet tall.
  • They have dark brown or black bark and their leaves are opposite, each leaf having 5-7 lobes.
  • The flowers are small, white, and grow in clusters.
  • Elderberries are the fruit of the elder tree and are black or dark blue when ripe.
  • Elderberries are used to make jelly, wine, and pies.
  • Elderflower cordial is a popular non-alcoholic drink.
  • The elder tree has many traditional medicinal uses.
  • In the language of flowers, the elderberry symbolizes compassion.
  • The elder tree is also known as the "Tree of Death" because of its many poisonous parts.
  • It is important to know which parts of the elder tree are poisonous and which are not before consuming any part of the plant.

Related plant:
Common Elderberry

Planting Process

  1. For elder tree, first step is to find a good location. The tree should be in full sun and in an area with well-drained soil.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  3. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil.
  4. Water the tree deeply and regularly for the first few months after planting.
  5. Fertilize the tree each spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  6. Prune the tree as needed to remove any dead or damaged branches.
  7. The elder tree is generally a low-maintenance tree and does not require much additional care.
  8. However, it is important to watch for pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale, canker, and leaf spot.
  9. If any problems arise, treat them immediately with the appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
  10. With proper care, an elder tree can live for many years and reach a height of 30 feet or more.

Related plant:
Elderberry Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the elder tree likes a warm and moist soil, but it is also able to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers a soil with a high organic content, but it is also able to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.

Light condition

Similar to other trees, the elder tree requires sun in order to grow. However, it is not as picky as some other trees when it comes to sun exposure. The elder tree can tolerate partial shade, which makes it a good choice for locations that are not too sunny.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most conducive to the growth of elder trees is a warm climate. Elder trees thrive in warm weather and are able to tolerate cooler temperatures as well. However, they will not survive in cold climates. Elder trees need full sun exposure to grow and thrive. They will not do well in shady areas.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. When the humidity is lower than 50%, the plant may suffer from dehydration and when the humidity is more than 70%, the plant may suffer from too much moisture.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, usually the plant can tell you what it needs. If the leaves are yellow, it probably needs more nitrogen. If the leaves are pale, it might need more phosphorus. And if the leaves are brown and crispy, it might need more potassium. As for the roots, they need space to grow. So, make sure to loosen up the soil around the tree every few years.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your elder tree healthy. Pruning helps to remove dead or dying branches, as well as branches that are rubbing against each other. It also helps to promote new growth and keep the tree looking its best. When pruning your elder tree, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done through seed, which germinates best when sown fresh in the fall. Start the seed in seed flats filled with a mix of sand, peat, and perlite. Sow the seed on the surface of the mix and press in lightly. Keep the flats in a bright location but out of direct sun, and water as needed to keep the mix moist but not wet. The seed will germinate in one to three months. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with a rich potting mix. Water well and place the pots in a bright location but out of direct sun. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is quite fast, with the average tree growing up to 2.5m in a single growing season. However, growth rate will vary based on a tree's specific location and growing conditions. For example, trees that are growing in more favorable conditions (i.e. with more sunlight and water) will typically grow faster than those in less favorable conditions. Additionally, the type of soil can also impact growth rate, with trees in sandier soils typically growing faster than those in heavier clay soils.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are its shallow roots, which are easily damaged or uprooted by strong winds. Other problems include: fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew, canker, root rot, and Verticillium wilt. Insect pests include: aphids, scales, whiteflies, and caterpillars.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your elder tree regularly.
  • Place your tree in a sunny location.
  • Fertilize your tree every few months.
  • Prune your tree regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
  • Try to grow your elder tree in a pot or container to make it easier to care for.
  • Keep the soil around your tree moist but not soggy.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your tree from the cold.
  • Don't forget to occasionally check the roots of your tree to make sure they're healthy.
  • Have patience! It can take several years for an elder tree to reach its full potential.

Related Plants

  • elderberry
  • eleuthrococcus
  • emathusia
  • embelia
  • emmenopterys
  • embla
  • embothrium
  • emmenopterys
  • emmenopterys
  • emmelia

Source:
Elder Tree by Chris Ellery - Lamar University
Elder Tree - The Wisconsin Idea Database
Sambucus nigra (Black Elder, Elder, Elderberry, European …

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category