Typical Elderberry Yield

• First-year yields are usually fairly sparse, but yields increase with each year with proper pruning. Two-year-old elder trees that are healthy and vigorous can produce more than 6 lbs. of elderberries. After four years, the elder tree can produce more than 17 lbs. of elderberries. Each cluster may contain up to 2,000 elderberries. Canes that are 2 years old are the most fruitful, according to the Cornell University Department of Agriculture. Therefore, proper pruning is essential for the most productive elder trees. Canes that are older than three years are pruned off in the late winter or early spring when the elder tree is dormant.
  
  

Elder Tree Cultivation

• Elder trees are fairly drought-tolerant shrubs once established, but their shallow roots prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Transplant elder trees in the early spring and keep them well watered during the first year. Choose an area that receives full to partial sunlight and enough space to accommodate its mature height of about 10 to 12 feet. Apply a balanced 10-10-10 or similar fertilizer in the spring each year.
  
  

Elderberry Medicinal Properties

• Elderberries are packed with minerals and vitamins like calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and vitamins A, B6 and C. Raw elderberries make an effective laxative and remedy for colic. Elderberries were used in folk medicine to reduce inflammation and bring down fevers. Today, herbalists use elderberries to prevent and fight influenza. When brewed into a tea and drunk before infection, it is said to prevent the flu virus from taking hold. When taken after infection, elderberries are believed to prevent the flu virus from spreading to other parts of the body and also to reduce healing time. Arthritis sufferers may also find some relief with elderberries.
  
  

Elderberry Uses

• All parts of the elder tree are useful for a variety of purposes. To make a garden insect spray that deters aphids, caterpillars, carrot-root fly and root maggots, boil 1 lb. of elder leaves in a quart of water and steep for 30 minutes. Strain the leaves out and spray the infested plant thoroughly. Elderberries are used to make jams, jellies, chutneys and sauces. Elderberry wine and liqueur are made by adding sugar, yeast, acid and water to elderberries. Elderberries are also used in a variety of desserts like tarts, pies, sorbet and ice cream.