Elderberry - Sambucus nigra - €9 per plant 

This plant is an extremely valuable asset to the ecological garden.  It grows in a variety of conditions including both wet and dry fertile soils, primarily in sunny locations.  It has been revered for centuries for a wide range of medicinal and magical properties. The clusters of white flowers are pollinated by insects, especially hoverflies, and its berries provide an important food source for garden birds such as blackbirds and thrushes, as well as being used widely in the kitchen. The plant is a valuable addition to the compost heap and the roots of the plant are said to improve fermentation of the compost heap when growing nearby.  This is an excellent pioneer species to use when re-establishing woodlands due to its tough and wind-resistant characteristics.  It grows quickly and provides shelter for longer-lived and taller woodland species to establish.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Most of Europe and North America.
  • native habitat: Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
  • family: Caprifoliaceae


Predators

  • Aphids and caterpillars may feed on elderberry bush leaves, stems and shoots.

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun, semi shade
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 7
  • Prefers moist soil
  • Can tolerate atmospheric pollution

Known hazards 

  • The leaves and stems are poisonous
  • Any toxin the fruit might contain is likely to be of quite low toxicity and is destroyed when the fruit is cooked

Overview

  • 40 - 60 cm high bare root sapling
  • Deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m by 6 m at a fast rate.
  • It is in flower from July to July, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers moist soil
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
  • It cannot grow in semi shade  or no shade. 
  • The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
  • It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Characteristics

  • form: Woody plant with several stems growing from the base
  • layer : Shrub Layer/small tree
  • habit: quick growing
  • height x width (m): 6 x 6

Products 

  • Flowers: Strong pleasant aroma, very attractive to insects. The flowers are the main part of the plant used in modern herbalism.
  • Fruit: Besides lots of flavonoids and free radical-scouring antioxidants, elderberries contain 87 percent of the daily value in vitamin C, and high amounts of vitamin A, potassium, iron, vitamin B6, fiber, and betacarotene. When cooked they make delicious jams, preservess and are also used to make wine
  • Leaves: The leaves can be used as an insect repellent.  They can also be used as an insecticide by being made into a spray

Functions, behaviours

  • Very tolerant of pruning, plants can be cut back to ground level and will regrow from the base
  • Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations.
  • Berries are an important food for many fruit-eating birds, distracting them from eating other cultivated fruits
  • The plant is a valuable addition to the compost heap
If you would like this plant  please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project