Sambucus nigra

Elderberry
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

This is a small tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub, reaching heights of 10-20', occasionally to 30'. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies. Fast growth rate. Tends to be short-lived, but the root masses producing new shoots are longer-lived.

Native Range

Native to the British Isles & continental Europe. Often grows in ditches & open fields. Also native to northern Africa & western Asia. Has been cultivated since ancient times.

Flower and Fruit Details

Perfect flowers, in 5-8", 5-rayed, flat-topped cymes, usually quite profuse and covering entire plant, white petals but actually appears more yellow-white due to yellow stamens, May-June. Very fragrant. Fruits are lustrous black, berry-like drupes, about 1/4" diameter, in September. Fruit is good for jellies, juice, pie, wine and attracting songbirds. The fruits of elders are enjoyed by 48 different species of birds. Multiple cultivars maximizes yield.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, w/ 3-9 (usually 5) short-stalked elliptic to elliptic-ovate leaflets, each 1.5-5" long, finely serrated around margin. Total leaf length is 4-12" long. Leaves are dark green above, paler & hairy on veins beneath. Leaves have a bad odor when bruised or crushed. Insignificant yellow-green fall color.

Culture and Care

Zones 5-6(7). Grows in sun or shade. More shade-tolerant than the American Elder. Can be pruned back in early March to encourage strong, highly-colored shoots. Once established, tolerates flooding, heavy shade, poor drainage, wet or dry sites, soil compaction, acid or alkaline soils, pH 6.1-7.5. Not tolerant of salt, pollution, or 2,4-D herbicide drift. Spider mites & aphids may be a problem in hot weather. Borers, canker, powdery mildew & leaf spot are other possible problems.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Good wildlife value. 3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall. Weak stems may lead to wind & ice damage. A volatile oil in the flowers is used in confectionary and cosmetics. Fruits are high in Vitamin C. Roots, stems & leaves are poisonous.

Suggested Uses

Good in the shrub border, and in shady locations. Good for naturalizing, rain gardens.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Sambucus nigra 'Eva' // Black Lace ™ Elderberry
    Shrub. Leaves are very lacy, deeply cut and fern-textured, dark purple to almost black all season, w/ pale-pink, lemon-scented, May-June flowers. The fruits, known as "elderberries", are dark blackish-red to black, in September. Grows upright, 6-8' tall & wide. Grows in full fun to part shade. Likes moist to wet soils. Tolerates clay soil. Regular pruning of the foliage will promote growth of additional purple leaves, w/ 3-7 lacy leaflets each. Young stems purple; older branches a rough, gray-brown. Zone 5(4)-6(7). Good for hedging, naturalizing, rain gardens. Raised by Horticultural Research International, East Malling, Kent, England.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis // American Elder, Elderberry
    Shrub. Gets 5-12' tall & wide (to 20' tall). Leaflets 5-11, usually 7, each 2-6" long & 1.5-2.5" wide. Lowest pair of leaflets often 2-3 lobed. Leafs out early in spring. Stems stout, gray, w/ many lenticels. Large, solid, white pith. Yellowish-white flower cymes 6-10" across, usually blooming in June, sometimes into July, rarely starting in late May. Fruits purple-black, August/September, good for jellies, jams, pies, juice, wines, and attracing 48 species of birds. Plant multiple clones for best fruit set. Suckers profusely. Zone 4(3)-9. Could be used as a border plant if coppiced (foliage cut back). Narive from Nova Scotia & Manitoba to Florida & Texas, in damp, rich soil. Introduced 1761.
    BS009012

  • Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis 'Nova' // Nova American Elderberry
    Shrub. Huge inflorescences of creamy-white flowers in June attract butterflies and help sustain late pollinators. Large, sweet, dark blue fruits ripen early. Gets 6-8' tall & wide. Hardy to -30 degrees F. Zone 4(3)-9. Self-fertile, but for best fruit set, plant a Sambucus 'York' for cross-pollination. Considered a "super-fruit", high in anthocyanins & flavonoids. Best in full sun and acid, well-drained soils. Avoid extremely wet sites. Overall, excellent pest & disease resistance. Deer resistant. May be susceptible to tomato ring-spot virus. Nova was introduced from Nova Scotia, Canada in 1959. Used in hedges, mixed borders, and for screening.
    -- not currently in our collection --