Large white flower clusters appear in early summer followed by dark purple edible berries. This native shrub attracts birds and pollinators and is commonly used for jams and syrups. - Elderberries do well in our area. Elderberries produce more fruit when 2 or more varieties are used to cross-pollinate each other. They prefer fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Elderberries grow tall, and can be pruned to the ground to regrow or left as a bush. They can produce fruit either way.