Growing and Marketing Elderberries in Missouri

drained, sunny sites, and is often found along roadside ditches and streams. Elderberry is a beautiful plant, with showy flat cymes of white flowers in June followed by bright purple to black berries in late summer (Figures 2 and 3). Ornamental forms are important landscape plants, and elderberry has been grown for generations as a backyard fruit. Based on identified market size and demand, opportunities exist to increase both the production and processing of elderberry across the value chain. At present, usage of both fruit and flowers for wine, juice, jelly, colorant, and dietary supplement products is on the rise. European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is grown as a commercial fruit crop in Europe and elsewhere. The American elderberry, however, appears to be a better candidate for commercial production in Missouri. This guide outlines production practices and market information for American elderberry, based on research and growers’ experiences in Missouri. T