Sambucus nigra

Elder · Elderberry · European Black Elder · Black Elderberry

Family ViburnaceaeGenus Sambucus

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.

Habit: Shrub, TreeExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Habit: shrub or treePlants of the World Online
Height: 10-20 ft3-6.1 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Spread: 8-20 ft2.4-6.1 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Flower: Cream/Tan, WhiteExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Blooms: SummerExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Native range: Albania, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium and elsewhereGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Hardiness zones: 5-7Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Sun: Full sun; Partial ShadeExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), SandExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Moisture: Good Drainage, MoistExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.

Sources: Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension; Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

The genus name comes from the Greek sambuce, an ancient musical instrument; the soft pith comes out of the twigs easily, to make flutes and whistles. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
Raw berries are not edible, but ripe ones go into jelly, preserves, pies and wine. Leaves, stems, roots and unripe fruit are poisonous. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996

Difficulty Very high Rated by us, not by the source.

about 6 months from start to step 3. Germination happens during step 3, in 7 days.

4% germination in 7 days.

Readers’ own records of sowing this species, published after review. Share your trial · All trials