Marge Elderberry

(Sambucus canadensis × S. nigra · Certified Organic · Currently Sold Out for 2025)

Big berries. Bigger yields. A cold-hardy powerhouse that bridges American and European genetics with unmatched productivity in the field.

Full Product Description

Marge is a unique elderberry cultivar, a hybrid of Sambucus canadensis and S. nigra, that blends the cold hardiness and flavor of American elders with the size and heavy yields of European types. It’s one of the most vigorous, productive cultivars available, and the one we’ve planted the most of on our own farm.

In multi-year trials at the University of Missouri, Marge consistently outperformed both S. canadensis and S. nigracultivars in yield and vigor. It produces large, flavorful berries, is mostly self-fertile, and serves as a valuable pollinator for both American and European elderberries; making it a strong anchor variety for home and commercial plantings alike.

Marge grows upright with dense canes that don’t sucker, which makes it easier to prune and harvest in tight rows. We’ve grown it organically in Zone 3 conditions for over five years and trust it for consistent performance and scale-friendly growth.

If you’re focused on fruit volume, pollination flexibility, and no-fuss maintenance—this is your elder.

Key Features

• Certified Organic Marge elderberries

• Hybrid: Sambucus canadensis × S. nigra

• Height: 6–10' depending on spacing (can be pruned lower)

• Ripens: Late summer

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–7

• Pollination: Self-fertile; cross-pollinates with all elderberry types

• Growth Habit: Upright canes; does not sucker

• Soil Preference: Rich, well-drained

• Moisture Needs: Consistent for first 2 years; drought-tolerant once established

• Planting Seasons: Fall or early spring

• Mulch: Deep mulch recommended for moisture and root protection

Availability

Currently sold out for 2025.
Quantities are limited, join the email list to get early access to next season’s release.

Dormant canes ship in late spring. Live seedlings ship in early fall.