Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001315
11/12/99
Sambucus nigra--European Elder
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 6
Height: 15 ft Spread: 15 ft Form: rounded
Type: deciduous shrub
Annual Growth Rate: more than 18 inches
Flowers: white
Fruit: black
Comments: European Elder is a large shrub similar to other
elders having flat clusters of white flowers followed by
black fruits. The plant can be used near water.
Cultivars:
'Albovariegata' - This cultivar can reach a height of
20 feet. The foliage is edged with silver.
'Guincho Purple' - The dark (Vis. 1), purplish green
foliage provides a contrasting background for the white
flowers. The foliage color intensifies in late
summer and fall.
'Laciniata' - A cutleaf form (Vis. 2).
'Madonna' - A variegated cultivar with light green
leaves having a yellow edge becoming creamy white in
summer (Vis. 3).
'Pulverulenta' - Showy, white foliage variegations. The
plant is not as aggressive as other elderberries.
'Purpurea' - The leaves are green but become dark
purple, turning red in the fall. Flowers white
flushed with pink
References for Cultivars: Sheridan Nurseries 1999, Weston
Nurseries 1999, Spring Meadow Nursery 1999, Willoway
Nurseries 1999.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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