Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra, more commonly known as black elderberry, is a deciduous perennial shrub or small tree native to Europe.  Growing in opposite pairs, black elderberry leaves are comprised of broad, soft-green, serrated leaflets that are commonly found in groups of five to seven.  Clusters of ivory-white, five-petalled blooms grow on large, flat-topped corymbs at the end of spring, filling their environment with a lemony scent.  Glossy, dark-purple to black berries are produced in bunches that cause their stems to droop with the increasing weight.  Black elderberries are edible and are often used in preparing jellies, pies, and even wines.  Fruit from the black elderberry plant is also used to make herbal remedies for treating the common cold and influenza-like illnesses.  The stems, roots, and leaves of the black elderberry plant contain a moderate level of toxins and should be kept away from children and pets.  

Provide black elderberry plants with a location that receives a copious amount of sunlight, though they can grow in partially shaded conditions as well.  Generally, the plants produce fewer flowers and less attractive foliage when grown in the shade.  Well-draining, slightly acidic garden soils are ideal for growing black elderberry plants, though they are known to tolerate heavier clay mixtures as well.  Black elderberry plants are more tolerant of wet soils than most plants, and they grow best when kept moist with regular weekly waterings.  Feeding with a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and again in the summer should provide all the additional nutrients a black elderberry plant can make use of.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.