What's eating my elderberry 'wyldewood'?

Elderberry 'Wyldewood' (a Sambucus canadensis selection) shares the pest profile of its species: elderberry borer is the worst structural pest, aphids are the most common cosmetic nuisance, and spotted wing drosophila targets ripe fruit. Deer browse young canes and foliage, especially in rural settings.

Wilting and dying canes with visible entry holes at the base; metallic orange-black beetles on canes in early summer Remove and destroy infested canes; hand-pick adult beetles; do not compost removed material. Healthy, well-watered plants tolerate attack better.

Clustered colonies on new shoot growth; honeydew, leaf curl, and potential sooty mold on upper leaf surfaces Insecticidal soap spray; strong water jets; introduce beneficial insects. Avoid high-nitrogen feeding that produces aphid-attracting soft foliage.

Soft spots and collapse in ripe berries; small larvae found inside fruit close to harvest Use fine-mesh fruit netting; harvest promptly; remove fallen overripe fruit from the ground to reduce local fly populations.

Browse damage on young shoots and foliage, especially in autumn and early spring; canes broken or stripped of leaves Tall fencing (at least 8 ft / 2.4 m) is the only reliable long-term solution; deer repellent sprays offer short-term deterrence and need reapplication after rain.