Sambucus nigra

Common Names

Elderberry, Black Elderberry, European Elderberry, European Black Elderberry, European Elder, Blue Elderberry, Common Elderberry, Elderflower, Judas Tree, Black Lace, Common Elder, Elder

Summary

Sambucus nigra, European elderberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe. It typically grows to about 4–6 m tall and wide, with opposite pinnate leaves of five to seven leaflets and large flat umbels of ivory-white flowers in late spring to mid-summer, followed by dark purple to black berries; leaves emit an unpleasant fragrance when crushed, while flowers are fragrant. All parts contain cyanogenic glycosides, with raw berries mildly poisonous but edible when cooked, and the berries and flowers have culinary uses such as jams, jellies, wines, and cordials. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils and tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay; hardy to USDA zones 5a–7b and not drought tolerant, requiring regular watering in dry periods. It spreads by suckers and self-seeds, with pruning of suckers advised to control spread and reduce invasiveness in some regions; commonly grown as an ornamental or hedge, it provides wildlife value with nectar for insects and berries for birds, and edible flowers and berries are used in foods and drinks when prepared.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-20 feet

Spread

10-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade

Soil Type

Moist, loamy, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

No single ideal pH, 5.0-8.0 range, tolerates acidic to alkaline soils

Bloom Color

White to cream

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, Yellow, Red, Purple

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, butterflies, and flies