Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Gerda' (Gerda Black Beauty Sambucus, Gerda Elderberry)

Botanical Information

FamilyAdoxaceae (Caprifoliaceae)
GenusSambucus
Speciesnigra
Formaporphyrophylla
Cultivar'Gerda'
SynonymsSambucus nigra 'Black Beauty'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
ReferencesHaymarket Media Group. LTD, Hort Week, July 10, 2008 Mark D. Atkinson and Elaine Atkinson, Sambucus nigra, October 2002 Journal of Ecology, Volume Number 90, Issue 5.
OriginIt is native to Europe and North America. It is most commonly found in Scotland and along the British Isles.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Elderberries that hang from the tree are most commonly known for there medicinal benefits since they are very high in vitamin A, B and C. The berries are used to combat colds, flus and nasal congestion and are edible and used for jams.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5a - 7b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-26 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)-20 - (-5)
Height36 m
Spread3 - 4.5 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune, July

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis is a woody shrub that has a dark purple hue and is used in the landscape for its showy flowers.
ID CharacteristicLarge clusters of dark purple berries and light purple flower clusters. The leaves of the Sambucus are pinate and are usually made up of five to seven leaflets.
ShapeGrows upright and have a canopy spread of about 2.5 m. This plant matures very quickly and doesn't change in shape after fully grown.
LandscapeUsed in landscapes as an accent shrub due to its colourful flowers and vibrant fruit. It can also be used as a screen due to its height and thickness.
PropagationBy softwood and hardwood cuttings. This shrub will usually get pruned due to its thickness.
CultivationGrows well in moist soil and moderate sun. It also thrives in acidic soil.
PestsSpider mites and aphids- which eat away at the plants stems. Minor susceptibility to leaf spots borers and cankers.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada. Ridgetown College, Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth and dark purple in colour. Branches are thin and long. The bark has been known to be poisonous to animals.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe buds protrude from the stem and start off a light green and slowly turn a light purple. The buds are ovate and become pointed at the tip.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaf is pinate with five to seven leaves per stem, being very thin and about half an 2.5 cm wide and 7.5- 10 cm long and dark purple in colour.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are light purple and grow in large cymes of about thirty flowers.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is a very small dark purple circular berry formed in large clusters that are edible.
Colour DescriptionThe colour of the stems and leaves are a dark purple along with the berries. The flowers are light purple with a white tint.
Texture DescriptionThis plant has a fine texture that does no vary throughout seasons.

Photographs