Sambucus nigra ( Black Elderberry ) is a deciduous, fruiting plant that is native to temperate and cold climates of Asia, Europe and North America. Although the raw berry doesn’t taste great, the plant has, for centuries, been a family favourite for its medicinal benefits, jams, wines, and beautiful edible flowers.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Sambucus nigra is also commonly known as Elder, Black Elder, European Elderberry, European Black Elderberry, the Medicine Chest, and the Queen of Herbs.
The Black Elderberry is a commonly grown as a hedge in Britain and northern Europe.
Note: The dark blue or purple berries are mildly toxic in their raw state and may cause nausea for some people but are edible after cooking.
In recent times, Sambucus nigra has achieved wide popularity for its ability to combat colds and flus. Traditional remedies have been known to use the fruits and flowers to treat burns, wounds, asthma symptoms, eyes, and colic. In some rural areas, the Elderberry plant is nicknamed ‘The medicine chest of country people’.
For information regarding the medicinal benefits of Black Elderberry plants click here.
Check out the Red Elderberry and the Blue Elderberry or click here to view the fruit range.
Growth
Sambucus nigra is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows to a maximum height of 10 metres (33 feet) and width of about 6 metres (20 feet). The Black Elderberry thrives in Cold and Temperate climates where the plant receives an ample supply of chill hours during the dormant winter period.
The bark is light grey when young and changes to a coarse grey as the plant ages. Leaves can reach up to 30cm (12 inches) long. Flowering begins when the plants reach 4-5 years old and occur during around late-Spring. The flowers are hermaphrodite, have five stamens and are large, flat corymbs between 10-25cm (4-10 inches) in diameter. Pollination is assisted by bees, butterflies and flies which transforms the tiny white blooms into the popular black berries by late-autumn.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Adoxaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-15°C to 30°C / 5 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, not clay.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 10 metre (33 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 6 metres (feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees, Butterflies, and some birds.
MATURITY:
4-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
50-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak – 48 hours
Warm Stratification – 10-12 weeks
Cold Stratification – 3 months and then 6-8 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 140
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT SAMBUCUS NIGRA ( Black Elderberry )
In Hungary, a brandy made from Elderberries requires around 50 kilograms to produce 1 litre of brandy.
The English common name does not refer to old, but it instead came from æld meaning fire, because the hollow stems of the branches were used as bellows to blow air into a fire.
Sambucus nigra berries is a favourite food for migrating band-tailed pigeons in northern California, which may strip an entire bush in one outing.
