Black Elderberry

(Sambucus nigra)

Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sambucus nigra, commonly known as Black Elderberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including woodlands, hedgerows, and grasslands across Europe and West Asia. It typically grows to 6 meters (20 feet) in height and width but can occasionally reach up to 10 meters (33 feet). The plant features compound leaves and a somewhat irregular form, with light grey bark in its youth that matures into coarse grey with age. Black Elderberry is renowned for its clusters of fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, ranging in color from cream to yellow, and sometimes tinged with pink or purple. These flowers are followed by dark purple berries that are popular for making elderberry syrup and wine.

The Black Elderberry is valued for its ornamental appeal, wildlife benefits, and medicinal uses. Its flowers are showy and its berries attract birds and other wildlife. It is commonly used in hedgerows, wildlife gardens, and for naturalistic plantings. The plant adapts well to both wet and dry fertile soils and prefers full sun to part shade. While it is relatively easy to grow, it requires medium water and well-drained soil. Gardeners should be aware that Sambucus nigra can spread aggressively by suckers and may become invasive outside its native range. It is also susceptible to various pests and diseases, including borers, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 8-20 feet
  • Width: 8-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Woodlands, hedgerows, and grasslands across Europe and West Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Black Elder, European Black Elder, European Black Elderberry, European Elderberry, Common Elderberry, Elder, Elderberry, Europen Elder, Tramman, Schwarzer Holunder

Scientific Names: , Sambucus nigra, Sambucus pulverulenta, Sambucus laciniata, Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla, Sambucus aurea, Sambucus nigra var. laciniata, Sambucus nigra var. nigra, Sambucus vulgaris, Sambucus nigra f. alba

GBIF Accepted Name: Sambucus nigra L.