How Do You Propagate Native Idaho Blue Elderberry Plants?
Idaho’s native blue elderberry plants (Sambucus cerulea) produce large clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in the spring and a heavy crop of light blue berries in the fall. A favorite food of black bears, elderberries are also favorites for humans—especially for making jams, syrups, jellies and wines. Elderberries are easily propagated from hardwood or softwood cuttings, root cuttings or suckers and with a good start will thrive for years in a home garden or yard. Look for elderberry shrubs in areas with moist and fertile soils. Choose a planting site at home with well-drained loamy soil and good air movement. Add organic material such as peat or manure to your planting site if your soil is sandy. Till the soil at the planting site and remove all weeds and grasses. Consider building a raised bed if your soil is heavy or poorly drained. Take cuttings from established elderberries using a sharp knife to cut green twigs or root cuttings or suckers. Dig up suckers or young plants w
