Marge Elderberry

The Best of Both Worlds

An open-pollinated seedling of the popular European ‘Haschberg’ elderberry, Marge was selected by Marge Milliken (“Grandmother of the Elder World”) near Eufaula, Oklahoma.

Considered to be a cross between the American and European elderberries, it brings with it the best of both worlds. Where the European elderberries struggle to grow in the summer heat in much of the US, Marge thrives, growing to an astonishing 10 feet and producing more abundant and larger berries than any American cultivar while also having the best flowers for flower production. More productive than the American cultivars, incredibly fast growing and more disease-resistant than pure European cultivars, Marge is gaining a lot of deserved attention in the elder industry right now.

Considered self-pollinating, it is a great choice if space is limited but the amazing benefits of elderberry are desired. It is important to note that it will only fruit on two year wood and so can not be cut down to the ground when pruning and will start producing fruit the second year after planting.

*NOTE: Elderberries must be cooked before consumption. Consuming raw elderberries can be toxic. Please ensure all berries are properly prepared before use.

Key Features of Marge Elderberry

• Open-pollinated seedling of the European ‘Haschberg’ elderberry
• Selected by Marge Milliken (“Grandmother of the Elder World”)
• Incredibly vigorous and fast growing
• More disease-resistant than pure European cultivars
• Best cultivar for flower production
• Has larger clusters of berries full of bigger berries than any American cultivar
• Considered self-fertile
• Only produces fruit on 2^nd year wood

All elderberries are grown in pots and are shipped barerooted when dormant, similar to our mulberries and persimmons.

USDA Zones: 4-9

Spacing: 6-10’ apart

Growth Habit: 8-10’ tall and 8-10’ wide; upright and spreading

Other Considerations: While Marge is considered self-fertile, it will bear heavier crops and larger berries when it has a second cultivar (different named) of elderberry near it. Pollinator can be either an American (cultivar or seedling) or European cultivar. Canes CAN NOT be cut down to the ground as Marge will only produce on two-year old wood.