Elderberry bushes are resilient plants, growing as shrubs or small trees that can reach heights of 5 to 12 feet. They are recognized by their dark green, compound leaves and clusters of creamy white flowers that emerge in late spring to early summer. These flowers mature into abundant clusters of small, dark purple or black berries, a significant food source for diverse wildlife.
Animals That Eat Elderberry Fruit
Elderberry fruits are a favored food for a wide range of animals, particularly birds. Over 40 species of birds, including robins, cedar waxwings, finches, woodpeckers, bluebirds, cardinals, orioles, and thrashers, readily consume the berries. These birds are attracted to the abundant, nutrient-rich fruit, often feasting on them during migration periods.
Beyond birds, various mammals also partake in the elderberry harvest. Deer, elk, and moose browse on the foliage and stems, while animals like bears, raccoons, squirrels, mice, and foxes are known to consume the berries. This consumption by wildlife plays a role in the natural dispersal of elderberry seeds, contributing to the plant’s spread and the health of the ecosystem.
Insects and Other Pests Affecting Elderberry
While many animals consume elderberry fruits as part of a balanced diet, certain insects and other pests can damage the plant itself, affecting its health and productivity. Aphids, such as the elder aphid, are common sap-sucking insects that cluster on leaves and stems. Their feeding can cause leaves to curl and may lead to the development of a sticky substance called honeydew, which can then encourage sooty mold growth.
Borers, including the elderberry borer and elder shoot borer, pose a threat by tunneling into the plant’s stems and shoots. This internal damage can cause branches to wilt and die back, often leaving visible exit holes and sawdust-like frass on affected canes. Other pests like spider mites feed on plant sap, leading to discolored or damaged foliage, while Japanese beetles can chew holes in leaves. The spotted wing drosophila is another concern, as it lays eggs directly into ripening fruit, potentially damaging the harvest.
Protecting Your Elderberry Bush
Protecting elderberry bushes from pests involves a combination of proactive care and targeted interventions. Regular inspection of your plants helps in early detection of pest activity, allowing for prompt action before infestations become severe. Maintaining plant vigor through proper watering, adequate nutrients, and good sanitation practices can help elderberries naturally resist pest pressures.
For existing pest issues, organic control methods are often effective. A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids and spider mites from foliage. Insecticidal soaps work by disrupting the insect’s outer layer, leading to dehydration, and can be applied to control aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, acts as a repellent and can disrupt insect feeding and growth cycles, offering another organic option for pest management. Additionally, pruning out and destroying any branches showing signs of borer damage, such as wilting or exit holes, can prevent further spread.