Elder Sambucus nigra

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Sambucus nigra, also known as the Black elderberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 12 feet tall. It has a round, open crown and a slightly irregular shape. The bark is smooth and gray-brown in color, while the branches have a slightly zigzag shape.
The leaves of Sambucus nigra are opposite, pinnately compound, and have 5-9 leaflets. The leaflets are ovate to elliptical in shape, and have serrated edges. They are dark green in color and have a smooth texture.
The flowers of Sambucus nigra are small, white and borne in large, flat-topped clusters that are 5-8 inches across. They bloom in late spring to early summer.
The fruit of Sambucus nigra is a small, round, black berry that is about 1/3 inch in diameter. They are usually ripe and edible in late summer to early fall.
Overall, Sambucus nigra is a striking plant, with its dark green leaves and large clusters of white flowers, followed by dark berries.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Adoxaceae
- Synonyms
  Elder, Elderberry, Black elder, European elder, Common elder, Acte, Arn tree, Black elderberry, Boon tree, Boor tree, Bore tree, Bour tree, Bur tree, European elderberry, Pipe tree, Tramman
- Common names
  Sambucus nigra
Toxicity
- To humans
  Elder is generally considered safe for human consumption.
  However, the unripe berries, leaves, and bark of the plant contain a toxin called sambunigrin, which can cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities. Therefore, it is recommended to only consume the ripe berries and not the other parts of the plant.
- To pets
  Sambucus nigra is toxic to animals, particularly livestock.
  The unripe berries, leaves, and bark of the plant contain a toxin called sambunigrin, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and even death if ingested in large quantities. Therefore, it is not recommended to give animals any part of the plant for consumption.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green and yellow in the fall
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  Up to 12 feet
- Spread
  Up to 12 feet
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Europe, northern Africa and western Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
The high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants in Sambucus nigra can help to boost the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections and illnesses;
The compounds in Sambucus nigra have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate conditions such as arthritis and asthma;
The berries of Sambucus nigra are edible and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, such as jams, syrups, and pies;
Sambucus nigra is a ornamental plant, it's large clusters of white flowers and dark berries make it an attractive addition to any garden.
Medical Properties
The compounds in Sambucus nigra have been shown to have anti-viral properties, which can help to reduce the symptoms of viral infections such as the flu and the common cold;
The compounds in Sambucus nigra have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate conditions such as arthritis and asthma;
Sambucus nigra has been shown to have a beneficial effect on heart health, by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure;
Sambucus nigra is rich in antioxidants, it can be used as a supplement to boost antioxidant levels in the body.
Other Uses
The berries of the plant are edible and are often used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and wine. They can also be dried and used in teas, pies, and other baked goods;
Elderberry has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and fever. It is also used as a diuretic, laxative, and to treat skin conditions;
Elderberry extract is often used in beauty products such as soaps, lotions, and hair care products due to its antioxidant properties;
The plant can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and yarns;
Elder can be used as a natural pest control measure in gardens;
Flowers of the plant is used to make elderflower cordial, a popular non-alcoholic drink in Europe.

Interesting Facts

Plant Symbolism
In the folklore, it is believed to have protective properties and was often planted near homes to ward off evil spirits;
It was also believed to bring good luck and prosperity;
In some cultures, it symbolizes rebirth and renewal because it is one of the first plants to leaf out in the spring;
In others, it is considered a symbol of wisdom, as it was believed that the elder tree was home to the spirit of an elder who would bestow wisdom upon those who asked.

💧

Once a week

Water

☀️

20000 - 50000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every 2 - 3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring - early summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
It prefers well-drained soil and should not be overwatered.
Watering once a week should be sufficient, but be sure to check the soil moisture level and adjust watering as needed.
Light
Sambucus nigra can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but it will produce more fruit when grown in full sun.
Temperature
It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 and higher and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F. It can survive in a wide range of temperature and humidity.
Pruning
To prune Sambucus nigra, you can start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. This can be done at any time of the year. Then, in the late winter or early spring, prune back the previous year's growth by about one-third to promote bushier growth and larger blooms. Avoid cutting back into old wood, as this can inhibit the plant's growth. Also, be sure to wear gloves as the plant's bark and leaves can cause alergic reaction.
Soil
Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry, prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers a slightly acid to neutral soil.
Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can help to improve its fertility and drainage.
Repotting
Elderberry plants do not need to be repotted frequently, as they are relatively slow-growing. A container-grown plant may need to be repotted every 2-3 years, or when the roots have become pot-bound.
Humidity & Misting
Elderberry plants prefer a slightly humid environment. They tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, but they will perform best when humidity levels are between 40 and 60%.
If the air in your home is particularly dry, you may need to mist the foliage occasionally to maintain the optimal humidity level for the plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Sambucus nigra is a deciduous shrub that typically grows outdoors.
  It can be grown indoors as a container plant, but it can be challenging to provide the necessary light and temperature conditions for it to thrive.
  When growing Sambucus nigra indoors, it is important to provide it with bright, indirect light and to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It prefers cool temperatures between 60-70°F and a humidity level of 50-60%. It's also important to provide proper drainage and to fertilize it regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Outdoor
  Sambucus nigra is a deciduous shrub that prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and growing conditions.
  It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and to avoid over-fertilizing the plant
  It's important to keep an eye on potential pests and diseases, and to treat them as soon as they are spotted.
- Hardiness zone
  USDA 4 - 11
Life cycle
In the spring, elderberry seeds germinate and begin to grow.
During the spring and summer, the elderberry produces new leaves and stems, and flowers.
Elderberry produces clusters of small, white or pinkish-white flowers in late spring or early summer. These flowers are followed by berries which ripen in late summer or early fall.
In the fall, the elderberry's leaves will turn yellow and fall off, and the plant enters a dormant stage.
During the winter, the elderberry's roots remain active and store energy for the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring - early summer
- By SOFTWOOD CUTTINGS:
  Softwood cuttings can be taken from new growth in the spring or early summer and rooted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
  By HARDWOOD CUTTINGS:
  Hardwood cuttings can be taken from semi-mature wood in the fall and stored in a cool, dry place until spring, then planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
  By ROOT CUTTINGS:
  Root cuttings can be taken from mature plants in the fall and planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
  By LAYERING:
  Layering can be done by bending a flexible stem to the ground and covering it with soil, then allowing it to root before cutting it from the parent plant.
  By SEEDS:
  Elderberry seeds can be sown in the fall or spring in seed-starting mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination can be slow and can take several weeks to several months.