The lifespan of an American elderberry tree, or rather a shrub, is relatively short. These plants grow quickly, but they have a limited lifespan of usually 3 to 5 years. After this time, they are typically replaced by new plants that emerge from the same rootstock.
I have had personal experience with growing elderberry shrubs in my own garden, and I have found that they indeed have a relatively short lifespan. It is important to note that elderberry plants are not actually trees, but rather shrubs that can reach a height of about 6 to 12 feet. They have multiple stems that arise from shallow roots and stolons.
One of the reasons for the shorter lifespan of elderberry shrubs is their growth habit. They tend to grow rapidly, which can put a lot of stress on the plant. Additionally, elderberries are often grown for their fruit, which can be harvested for culinary purposes or used to make medicinal products such as elderberry syrup. The constant harvesting of the fruit can also take a toll on the plant over time.
Another factor that contributes to the shorter lifespan of elderberry shrubs is their tendency to produce new plants from the same rootstock. These new plants, known as suckers, emerge from the roots or stolons of the parent plant. While this can be beneficial for propagating new elderberry shrubs, it also means that the original plant will eventually die off and be replaced by these new offspring.
In my own garden, I have observed this cycle of growth and replacement with elderberry shrubs. I have found that after a few years of productive growth and fruiting, the original plant starts to decline. Meanwhile, new shoots emerge from the ground nearby, indicating the presence of new plants that will take over once the parent plant dies off.
It’s worth noting that the lifespan of elderberry shrubs can vary depending on growing conditions and management practices. With proper care, such as regular pruning to remove dead or weak stems and providing adequate water and nutrients, the lifespan of these shrubs may be extended slightly. However, it is still generally expected that elderberry shrubs will have a relatively short lifespan compared to other types of woody plants.
To summarize, the lifespan of an American elderberry shrub is typically around 3 to 5 years. These fast-growing plants are short-lived and are often replaced by new plants emerging from the same rootstock. While proper care and management can potentially extend their lifespan, it is important to be aware of their natural tendency to decline and be replaced over time.
