Many birds and mammals feed on the fruit. Elderberries are drought and cold tolerant. They also tolerate almost any moisture condition and soil type. They grow at a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, but prefer a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It's important to cultivate these shrubs carefully, because the root system is shallow and can easily be damaged.
Elderberries have few pests, and natural predators often control outbreaks.
Plant elderberries five to seven feet on center to accommodate air circulation. Plant bareroot stock or rooted cuttings in early spring and container-grown plants anytime during the growing season. Permission is hereby given to duplicate this Plant talk Colorado TM script as is if credit is given to the sources.