Sambucus nigra f. laciniata
cut-leaved elder
A large, bushy deciduous shrub with deeply dissected, fern-like leaves and flat heads of small creamy-white flowers in summer, followed by glossy purple-black berries
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Black Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten, fruit/flowers edible if cooked - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Sambucus can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs or small trees, with pinnate leaves and umbels or panicles of small creamy-white flowers followed by red, white or black berries
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils and also thrives on extremely chalky sites
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. Propagate by seed sown in the open ground or containers in the autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or suitable for coppicing every 3 to 4 years. Tolerates hard size-restricting pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and honey fungus
Get involved
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