Sambucus nigra (Elderberry)

Sambucus nigra (Elderberry)


Pronunciation: sam-BEW-kus NYE-gruh
Family: adoxaceae
Plant type: shrub
Origin: Africa, Europe
Zone: 4
……..
Mature size
  Height: 2-3 m
  Spread: 2-3 m
Habit: spreading, twiggy, upright
Form: oval, vertical
Texture: coarse
Exposure - full to part sun
Preferred soil - humus rich, well drained
Landscape uses - woodlands, shaded areas
……..
Leaves
Arrangement: pinnately compound opposite
Shape: lanceolate, ovate
Size: 4-12 inches long, each leaflet 1.5-5 inches long x 1-2 inches wide
Margin: serrate 
Characteristics: soft flexible, pubescent
Colour: many cultivars with many colors 
………
Flowers
Inflorescence type: floriferous, corymb like cyme
Colour: black
Size: 4-6 inch clusters of 1-3 mm flowers
Time: June July
………
Fruit type: drupe
Colour: lustrous black purple
Time: August September
………
Stem
Description: prominent lenticels, lightly fissured, corky
Colour: grey
……..
Propagation - seed or cuttings
Comments - some are edible, however there are many poisonous aspects so best to avoid 
 - some berries can be eaten when cooked 
- cut back in winter to promote new shoots (similar to hydrangeas) 
- very fragrant (in a bad way)
Pests -  resistant 

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