Shrub
European Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Features
Large flattened clusters of tiny cream-colored flowers in early summer, fragrant; large clusters of small black berries in late summer.
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soils are best, but will tolerate some dryness as well as wet sites; tolerates alkaline soil.
Cultivars
- 'Albo-variegata' - White speckled foliage.
- 'Gerda' (Black Beauty™)- Black (dark purple) leaves, fragrant pink flowers.
- 'Madonna'- Leaves are a mix of green and yellow; white flowers.
- 'Pulverulenta'- Green leaves mottled with white.
Mature Height
10-20 Feet
Size
Medium
Large
Mature Width
8-12 Feet
Mature Form
Upright to oval
Native To:
Europe and Asia
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 7
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Wet Sites
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Variegated
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Aphids are a common problem. Occasional problems with borers, cankers and powdery mildew.
Additional Notes
Tends to sucker and may need regular pruning to keep the plant in good shape.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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