Which Type of Elderberry Is Best? Your Guide to Varieties

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

Sales of elderberry supplements surged to over $320 million in 2020 due to purported immune-enhancing effects, highlighting its growing popularity. This boom raises a common question for consumers and growers alike: which type of elderberry is best?

Quick Summary

Compare the different species and varieties of elderberry, including European and American, to determine the best type for your specific needs, whether for medicinal potency, fruit production, or ornamental purposes.

Key Points

European vs. American: European elderberry (S. nigra) is often considered more medicinally potent, while American elderberry (S. canadensis) offers heavier fruit yield and better cold hardiness.
Red Elderberry Caution: Avoid red elderberry (S. racemosa) for consumption, as it contains higher levels of toxic compounds than other varieties.
Cook All Berries: The seeds, leaves, and stems of all elderberry species contain toxic compounds that are neutralized by proper cooking.
Best for Flavor: The American 'Bob Gordon' cultivar is widely cited as having the best flavor and highest sweetness.
Best for Yield: The American 'Wyldewood' and 'Bob Gordon' cultivars are known for their heavy and reliable fruit production.
Ornamental Choice: European cultivars like 'Black Lace' offer beautiful foliage in addition to edible berries.

Understanding the Main Elderberry Species

Elderberries come from the genus Sambucus, which includes several species. The most common for consumption are European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). Blue elderberries (S. cerulea) are also used culinarily, while red elderberries (S. racemosa) are generally considered toxic and are primarily ornamental.

European Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, Sambucus nigra is known for its high antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins. It is often associated with immune support and may help reduce cold and flu symptoms. This species typically has smaller berries and can grow taller than its American counterpart, though it is less cold-hardy. Cultivars like 'Haschberg' are valued for their berry yield.

American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Found in North and Central America, Sambucus canadensis is a hardy plant that thrives in various conditions. It is prized for its abundant fruit production, with larger clusters and berries than the European species. American elderberry is more cold-hardy and adaptable. Popular cultivars such as 'Bob Gordon' and 'York' are favored for their yield, size, and flavor.

Other Elderberry Species to Know

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus cerulea): Native to western North America, this species has blue-black berries that are used in cooking.
Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa): Identified by its red berries, this species should be avoided for consumption due to potential toxicity and is mainly grown for ornamental purposes.

Elderberry Comparison Table

Here is a comparison of European and American elderberry species:


Feature	European Black Elderberry (S. nigra)	American Elderberry (S. canadensis)
Medicinal Potency	Often considered more potent with higher anthocyanins.	High in antioxidants, potentially less concentrated than European.
Fruit Yield	Generally lower yield, smaller berries.	Heavier producer with larger clusters.
Flavor Profile	Can be more bitter.	Sweeter, robust berry flavor.
Plant Size	Can reach up to 20 feet.	Typically 10-12 feet tall shrub.
Cold Hardiness	Less cold-tolerant.	More adaptable and cold-hardy.
Culinary Use	Used in medicinal teas and syrups.	Ideal for syrups, jams, pies.
Safety	Raw parts are toxic; requires cooking.	Raw parts are toxic; requires cooking.

Popular Cultivars for Specific Uses

Choosing a specific cultivar can tailor the elderberry to your needs:

Heaviest Yield: 'Bob Gordon' and 'Wyldewood' are known for prolific fruit production.
Sweetest Flavor: 'Bob Gordon' is often noted for its sweetness.
Cold Climates: 'Nova' is suited for northern gardens and is an early producer.
Ornamental Value: 'Black Lace' and 'Black Beauty' offer striking foliage.
Drought Tolerance: The 'Ranch' cultivar is more tolerant of dry conditions.
Large Berries: The 'York' variety is known for producing large berries.

Important Safety Considerations

All parts of the elderberry plant, except for cooked berries and flowers, contain cyanogenic glycosides and are potentially toxic. Consuming raw components can lead to digestive upset. Cooking is crucial to neutralize these toxins and make the berries and flowers safe to eat. This safety precaution applies to all elderberry species used for consumption.

Conclusion

The best elderberry depends on your priority. For medicinal potency, European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is often favored. For fruit yield and culinary use, American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) cultivars like 'Bob Gordon' or 'York' are excellent choices, especially in North American climates. If aesthetics are important, ornamental European varieties like 'Black Lace' offer beauty and berries. Always remember to cook elderberries and flowers before consumption for safety. For more information on elderberries, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health.

: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10096080/ : https://uncommonfruit.cias.wisc.edu/european-elderberry/ : https://www.poison.org/articles/elderberry-facts-and-myths-211

Frequently Asked Questions

European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is often cited as being more medicinally potent due to higher concentrations of anthocyanins and other antioxidants. However, both species offer significant health benefits when properly prepared.

No, raw elderberries are not safe to eat. The seeds, leaves, stems, and unripe berries of all common elderberry species contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause severe digestive issues. These toxins are destroyed by cooking.

The European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is most commonly used in immune support supplements like Sambucol and is associated with potent antiviral effects. For home remedies, both European and American elderberries provide immune-boosting nutrients when cooked.

Look for products from reputable brands that specify they use a standardized extract from Sambucus nigra berries. Checking for third-party testing certifications can also help ensure potency and quality.

Black elderberry (S. nigra and S. canadensis) is the most commonly used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Blue elderberry (S. cerulea) is native to western North America and is also edible. Red elderberry (S. racemosa) is generally considered toxic and is primarily ornamental.

For North American gardeners, American elderberry (S. canadensis) cultivars like 'Bob Gordon', 'Wyldewood', and 'York' are excellent choices due to their heavy yield, robust flavor, and better cold hardiness compared to most European varieties.

Yes, elderberry flowers (or elderflowers) from both American and European black elderberry species are edible and are used to make syrups, teas, and cordials. They are also rich in flavonoids.

When choosing a supplement, consider the form (syrup, gummies, capsules), check for added ingredients like Vitamin C and Zinc for enhanced immune support, and ensure it comes from a trusted brand that uses black elderberry extract.