Sambucus nigra
Black elderberry
Common names: elderberry, elder, lilac berry
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Black elderberry is a hardy large shrub that bears fruit twice a year: fragrant flower spikes in June for syrup and elderflower cordial, and deep black berries from late August for juice, jam, and soup. Raw berries and green plant parts are inedible; heating makes them edible. Traditionally it has been used during cold season.
Care instructions
Plant the elderberry in autumn (October, week 42) in a sunny to partially shaded, not too dry spot with nutrient-rich soil. It grows quickly and vigorously. Cut it back heavily in winter (February, week 7) and remove old low wood. Elderberry fruits on last year's shoots and benefits from rejuvenation pruning with vigorous, productive new shoots.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
loamy, humus-rich, moist, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Heavy feeder
Months
Mar–Apr
Propagation
Methods
- Cuttings
- Layering
- From seed
Companion planting
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
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