Black Tower Elderberry: The Superlative Elderberry For Your Garden

July 02, 2023 Post a Comment

Introduction

Elderberries are a versatile and delicious fruit that can be used in a variety of ways. They can be made into syrups, jams, pies, and even wine. Elderberries are also known for their medicinal properties, and they have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.

One of the most popular elderberry cultivars is Black Tower Elderberry. This variety is known for its striking burgundy foliage, its sweet and tart berries, and its hardiness. Black Tower Elderberry is a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a beautiful and productive plant.

In this blog post, we will discuss the following:

The history of Black Tower Elderberry
The characteristics of Black Tower Elderberry
How to grow Black Tower Elderberry
How to harvest and use Black Tower Elderberry

History of Black Tower Elderberry

Black Tower Elderberry is a relatively new cultivar, having been developed in the early 1990s by the University of Minnesota. It is a cross between two European elderberry varieties, Sambucus nigra 'Aurea' and Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace.'

Black Tower Elderberry quickly gained popularity among gardeners due to its striking appearance and its delicious fruit. It is now one of the most popular elderberry cultivars in the world.

Characteristics of Black Tower Elderberry

Black Tower Elderberry is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights of 6-8 feet. It has a dense, upright habit and a spreading crown. The foliage is burgundy in color, and it turns a brilliant red in the fall.

The flowers of Black Tower Elderberry are pink in color and they bloom in June or July. The berries are black-purple in color and they ripen in August or September. The berries are edible and they can be used to make a variety of products, including syrup, jam, pie, and wine.

How to Grow Black Tower Elderberry

Black Tower Elderberry is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, but it is important to water it regularly during the first year after planting.

Black Tower Elderberry is a hardy plant and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is also resistant to pests and diseases.

How to Harvest and Use Black Tower Elderberry

The berries of Black Tower Elderberry are ripe when they are black-purple in color. They can be harvested by hand or by shaking the branches over a tarp.

The berries can be eaten fresh, but they are most often used to make syrup, jam, pie, and wine. The berries can also be dried and used in tea or tinctures.

Conclusion

Black Tower Elderberry is a beautiful and productive plant that is perfect for gardeners who are looking for a versatile and delicious fruit. It is easy to grow and care for, and it is resistant to pests and diseases. If you are looking for a new addition to your garden, Black Tower Elderberry is a great choice.

Visit Home Gardening for more information about black tower elderberry.

FAQ of black tower elderberry

Q: Is black tower elderberry toxic?

A: Black tower elderberry is not toxic to humans when eaten ripe. However, the unripe berries and the leaves of the plant contain a toxin called amygdalin, which can be harmful if ingested. If you have pets, it is important to keep them away from black tower elderberry plants, as the unripe berries can be fatal to them.

Q: How do I care for black tower elderberry?

A: Black tower elderberry is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-drained, medium to wet soil with full sun to part shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it prefers moist, humusy ones. Black tower elderberry can form aggressive colonies through root suckers if not maintained properly. To prevent this, you can prune the plant regularly to remove suckers.

Q: How big does black tower elderberry get?

A: Black tower elderberry can grow to be 6 to 12 feet tall, depending on site conditions. It has a spreading growth habit, so it is important to give it enough space to grow.

Q: What are the benefits of black tower elderberry?

A: Black tower elderberry has a number of health benefits. The berries are a good source of vitamins C and A, and they also contain antioxidants. Elderberry syrup has been shown to shorten the duration of the common cold. The berries can also be used to make a tea that is said to relieve coughs and sore throats.