Elder

Elders are attractive shrubs that offer several seasons of color thanks to their clusters of spring or summertime flowers, attractive foliage, and fruits that attract birds. In fact, black elder, also called elderberry, produces fruits that are edible to people.

The shrubs are easy to grow, thriving in a variety of soil types, including wet areas. They seem to do equally well in full sun and part shade.

Light:

Sun, Part Sun

Zones:

3-9

Plant Type:

Shrub

Plant Height:

To 20 feet tall

Plant Width:

To 20 feet wide

Flower Color:

White, Pink/Rose, Red/Purple Leaves, Yellow Leaves, Variegated Leaves

Bloom Time:

Spring, Summer

Landscape Uses:

Beds & Borders, Privacy

Special Features:

Flowers, Attractive Foliage, Fragrant, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Tolerates Wet Soil, Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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Black Lace elder

(Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace') is a large shrub with finely cut deep purple-black foliage. In spring it bears creamy pink flowers that become edible purple fruits in fall. It grows 8 feet tall and 9 feet wide. Zones 4-7
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Guincho Purple elder

(Sambucus nigra 'Guincho Purple') features lovely purple-green leaves and clusters of purple fruits in fall. It grows 20 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-8
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Madonna elder

(Sambucus nigra 'Madonna') shows off green foliage boldly variegated in yellow. It produces clusters of white flowers that become edible fruits in fall. It grows 10 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-8
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Pulverulenta elder

(Sambucus nigra 'Pulverulenta') is a distinct selection with green leaves mottled heavily in white. It produces clusters of white flowers and purple fruits. It grows 10 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-8
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Sutherland Gold elder

(Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold') offers finely cut foliage in a brilliant shade of chartreuse and clusters of creamy white flowers in spring. It does best in partial shade and grows 10 feet tall and wide. Zones 3-7
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