Elderberry trees

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by BB3, May 27, 2025.

  1. BB3

    BB3 Total Gardener

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    I was curious about what pollinates an elderberry. I never see anything buzzing about it. Nobody seems to know. They used to say moths or wind. The latest idea is thrips. I'm not convinced. I keep my elderberry well pruned, almost topiary, which involves getting close up and really personal (inside). No bugs at all or I wouldn't do it.
    The thing is, the blossom has a really strong scent. What is it trying to attract?.
    Any ideas
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I think just ordinary flies do a lot of pollination and are often just ignored.:smile:
     
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    • Pete8

      Pete8 Total Gardener

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      Elderberry plants are primarily pollinated by insects, particularly bees and butterflies, according to a University of Nottingham study. While wind pollination was once thought to be the primary method, studies have shown that insects play a crucial role in transferring pollen between flowers. Additionally, some elderberry varieties require cross-pollination with another variety for optimal fruit production.
      Here's a more detailed look at the pollination process:
      • Insects:
        Bees and butterflies are drawn to elderberry flowers by their bright colors and sweet nectar. As they collect nectar and pollen, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating fertilization.
      • Wind:
        While wind pollination can occur, it's less effective than insect pollination, according to a Penn State Extension article.
      • Cross-Pollination:
        Some elderberry varieties are not self-fertile and require cross-pollination with another variety of elderberry for fruit production, according to Useful Plants Nursery.
      • Hermaphroditism:
        Elderberry flowers are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive parts within the same flower.
       
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      • BB3

        BB3 Total Gardener

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        The thing is, I've never seen a bee, butterfly or any insect at all on my elderberry tree. Perhaps it all happens at night.
        What's the point of a strong scent of it's a hermaphrodite? (That being said, I often use perfume for my own pleasure rather than to attract a mate!)
        It will be covered in berries later in the year. Much to the delight of the local pigeons.
         
      • Goldenlily26

        Goldenlily26 Total Gardener

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        I make elderberry champagne, cordial and wine.
        I have noticed the flowers smell quite sweet, it is the foliage that "stinks". Really unpleasant. Whenever I gather the flowers I always see lots of tiny zzzy things on them as well as bees etc.
         
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