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European black elderberry

European black elderberry

Sambucus nigra

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 3aZone 10b

A vigorous deciduous shrub producing creamy-white flower clusters in late spring followed by dark purple-black berries in late summer, valued for culinary and medicinal uses. Attracts birds and wildlife while offering ornamental interest throughout the growing season.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
15–23′ tall × 15–25′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

high

Flood Tolerance

moderate
Zone 3aZone 10b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 3a to Zone 10b

pH Range

4.97.5
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 4.9 to 7.5

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFall

Shrub

Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Europe, Western Asia, North Africa

Function & Care

biomass/mulchdynamic accumulatorediblehedgerowmedicinalpollinator nectarywildlife benefit

Edible Parts

fruitflower

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Years to Bearing
2 years
Propagation
seed, cutting, layering, sucker

Companion Planting