James Burghardt
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Botanical Name
Sambucus nigra
Plant Common Name
Black Elderberry
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Elderberries are large deciduous shrubs native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. They are grown for their beautiful foliage, large, musky-scented flowers and showy clusters of fruits. Wildlife magnets, their inflorescences are often visited by butterflies and fruits are favored by birds.
Its pinnate (feathery) leaves are divided into many elliptic leaflets, giving a tropical appearance. The leaves emit a somewhat unpleasant odor when crushed. In late spring and summer, flat-topped umbels of creamy flowers appear followed in autumn by large clusters of glossy black berries. Most often seen in cultivation are its smaller selections such as Black Lace™, with its finely divided deep purple-black leaves and pink flowers.
Not fussy about soils, elderberries like a sunny spot and moderate moisture. For best fruiting, plant two or more cultivars in the shrub border or as a screen or backdrop.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Width
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Europe, Northern Africa, Southern Asia, Western Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Ivory
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Fruit Color
Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
