S. canadensis (North American) elder plants grow fruit on new, first year's growth, as well as on older wood. Some commercial growers cut them down to the ground every fall for quick, easy pruning. This should not be done on S. nigra (European) varieties, including Marge, as these bear their fruit on the second year's growth of wood. However, all elders can also be pruned by just removing some of the oldest branches every year after the plants are mature.