American elderberry shrubs are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. Known for their showy flowers and tasty berries these plants can add beauty and functionality to any outdoor space. However like all plants, elderberries can be susceptible to various pests. Learning to identify and manage the most common culprits is key to growing happy, healthy shrubs. In this guide, we’ll cover the pests you’re most likely to encounter and proven strategies to prevent and treat infestations.
Aphids
Tiny, sap-sucking aphids are some of the most widespread elderberry pests. Look for clusters of pear-shaped insects on the undersides of leaves or stems. Heavy aphid infestations can cause curled, yellowing foliage and stunted plant growth.
To control aphids, spray plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil Ladybugs also feast on aphids, so avoid pesticides that kill beneficials Prune away heavily infested stems.
Japanese Beetles
Metallic green Japanese beetles munch on elderberry leaves, leaving behind skeletonized vegetation. They often arrive in droves, quickly defoliating shrubs.
Handpick beetles from plants in the morning when less active. Set up pheromone traps as an attract-and-kill solution. Apply insecticides containing carbaryl or cyfluthrin at the first sight of beetles. Neem oil and kaolin clay also deter feeding.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that pierce plant tissues and suck out juices. Leaves develop a speckled, unhealthy appearance and may feel crisp or curl under. Webs may cover foliage.
Blast plants with water to dislodge mites. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to suffocate them. Release predatory mites to feed on spider mites.
Caterpillars
Butterfly and moth larvae are yet another common elderberry pest. Watch for chewed leaves and greenish-black frass. Tent caterpillars form large, silky nests on branches.
Manually remove caterpillars from plants. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria that targets caterpillars but not other insects. Block tent caterpillars by pruning away egg masses in winter.
Scales
Armored scale insects affix themselves to stems and leaves to feed on plant fluids. Heavy infestations coat plants in honeydew secretions, leading to mold growth.
Prune away heavily infested branches. Use a soft brush and soapy water to scrape off scales. Dormant oil applied before spring growth smothers overwintering insects. Systemic insecticides kill scales beneath waxy coverings.
Leafhoppers
These small, wedge-shaped insects pierce leaf tissues and suck out sap, causing stippled discoloration. They fly or hop away when disturbed.
Leafhoppers thrive in weedy areas, so keep nearby vegetation trimmed. Spray young nymphs with insecticidal soap. Cover plants with row cover fabric to form a barrier. Sticky traps monitor populations.
Borers
Several moth and beetle species bore into elderberry canes and branches. Look for oozing holes with sawdust-like frass. Infested stems often break off easily.
Prune out borer-infested canes several inches below damage. Destroy prunings. Keep plants healthy to withstand attacks. Apply systemic insecticides at first signs of infestation.
Disease Prevention
Proper care boosts elderberry health to better withstand pests. Give plants plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overfertilizing and prune periodically. Disinfect tools between plants to stop disease spread.
Integrated Pest Management
IPM utilizes various strategies to control pests with minimal environmental impact. Monitor plants to detect issues early. Tolerate some damage without overreacting. Use row covers, pruners, and pest-specific treatments rather than broad-spectrum chemicals. Evaluate results and adjust as needed.
With proper identification and management, most elderberry pests can be handled without much fuss. Stay vigilant for common signs of infestation and be prepared to take action at the first sign of trouble. A bit of prevention and early intervention will help your shrubs thrive pest-free.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/growing-elderberry-sambucus-nigra-3269208-hero-583945660ede4744ba2395805536f4f1.jpg)
Meet the Uninvited: Common Elderberry’s Most Frequent Bug Visitors
Telltale webbing and leaf damage are dead giveaways that spider mites have gatecrashed your elderberry. To combat these pests, consider releasing predatory mites or whipping up a homemade spray. Keep them at bay with increased humidity and by quarantining new plants.
Building a Fortress
Physical barriers like netting can deter larger pests, while proper spacing and airflow between plants prevent the spread of smaller ones. Biological controls include introducing predatory insects that feed on pests. And yes, sometimes you need to bring in the chemical cavalry—but use them as a last resort, and always opt for the least toxic options.
Growing Elderberry! What you need to know!
FAQ
What is killing my elderberry bush?
What is eating my elderberry bush?
How do you get rid of bugs in elderberries?
How do you treat elderberry borer?
Do aphids eat elderberry plants?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves and can cause stunted growth, curled leaves, and yellowing foliage. The most common species of aphids that attack elderberry plants are black bean aphids, which are small and black. Aphids are easy to spot on elderberry plants.
Is elderberry a shrub or a tree?
Elderberry, or elder as it is also called, is a deciduous woody plant in the form of a clump-like shrub or a small tree. American elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis) is more shrub-like and can grow up to 8 to 10 feet high, while European black elder ( Sambucus nigra) has the makings of a small tree and will reach 20 feet.
Are there any problems with American elderberry?
While there aren’t too many problems that arise when growing American elderberry, you may end up dealing with familiar issues such as aphids, mealybug, elder shoot borer, and scale. Additionally, American elderberry can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canker, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
What pests eat elderberry plants?
Some of the most common pests that you find on elderberry plants are cane borers, aphids, and thrips. These are all winged insects that feast on the leaves of your plants. Some are more challenging to spot than others, so make sure you check the underside of the leaves.