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Sambucus nigra (Common elder)
1 hour care
per year
per year
8m
Max height
Max height
4m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Sambucus nigra
Other names
Common elder, European elderberry, Pipe tree, Black elderberry, Bur tree, Elderberry, European elder, Boor tree, Bore tree, Bour tree, Arn tree, Black elder, Boon tree
Genus
Sambucus Sambucus
Species
S. nigra - S. nigra is a large deciduous bush or small tree forming green leaflets and umbels of white flat-topped flowers in summer followed by black fruit in autumn.
Sambucus nigra is: Deciduous
Fragrance
Flowers are scented.
Habit
Bushy
Toxicity
Any part of the plant may cause discomfort if ingested. However, the berries may be consumed if cooked.
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Black-fly , Glasshouse red spider mite Black-fly , Glasshouse red spider mite
Verticillium wilt Verticillium wilt
General care
Propagation methods
Hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Sambucus nigra (Common elder) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 4m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Coastal, Hedging/Screens, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Will tolerate most soils and aspects; ideally, grow in a moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Will tolerate hard pruning to keep size in check.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Sambucus nigra
Other names
Common elder, European elderberry, Pipe tree, Black elderberry, Bur tree, Elderberry, European elder, Boor tree, Bore tree, Bour tree, Arn tree, Black elder, Boon tree
Genus
Sambucus Sambucus
Species
S. nigra - S. nigra is a large deciduous bush or small tree forming green leaflets and umbels of white flat-topped flowers in summer followed by black fruit in autumn.
Foliage
Deciduous
Fragrance
Flowers are scented.
Habit
Bushy
Toxicity
Any part of the plant may cause discomfort if ingested. However, the berries may be consumed if cooked.
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Colour
Flower
White in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Black-fly , Glasshouse red spider mite
Specific diseases
General care
Propagation methods
Hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Sambucus nigra (Common elder) will reach a height of 8m and a spread of 4m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Coastal, Hedging/Screens, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Will tolerate most soils and aspects; ideally, grow in a moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Will tolerate hard pruning to keep size in check.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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Sambucus nigra
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