Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry)
Botanical Information
| Family | Adoxaceae (Caprifoliaceae) |
| Genus | Sambucus |
| Species | nigra |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (deciduous) |
| Origin | Europe, northern Africa and southwestern Asia. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 5 - 8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 4a - 8a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 - H4 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | (-26) - (-7) |
| Temperature (°F) | (-15) - 20 |
| Height | 2.4-6.1 m |
| Spread | 2.4-6.1 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | May, June |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Known for centuries for its wide range of medicinal and “magical” properties. This large, coarse shrub with dainty ivory white flowers and dark purplish-black fruit makes a great addition visually as well as medicinally for landscapes. |
| Propagation | Propagate by cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Grows in a variety of conditions including both wet and dry soils, primarily in sunny locations. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Light grey turning coarse with age. |
| Leaf Description | Dark green, compound pinnate leaves. |
| Flower Description | Cream coloured flower. |
| Fruit Description | Glossy dark purple to black berry. |
Photographs
Photographed on the Sussex Downs, near Brighton, England.
Sambucus nigra 'Variegata'
Sambucus nigra 'Gerda'
Sambucus nigra 'Eva' at the RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon, England.