Melinda Myers

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