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Black Elder

Botanical Name
Sambucus nigra
Hardiness
Zones 5 to 7
Height
10 to 20 feet
Width
10 to 20 feet
Flowers
Late spring: yellowish-white
Fruit
Black berry-like pome, 1/4"
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist to wet, well-drained
Planting & Care
  • Prune suckers to control size
  • Remove deadwood in late winter, can be cut back completely in late winter to rejuvenate and tidy up appearance
Problems
Spider mites, aphids
Varieties
  • Black Lace - dissected purple foliage, 8-10', makes fine substitute for Japanese maple
  • Black Beauty - purple foliage, 8-10'
  • Instant Karma - green and white variegated foliage, 8-10' tall and wide
  • Laced Up - 6-10' tall by 3-4' wide, narrow, upright habit, dissected purple foliage

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