Sambucus nigra aka Common Elder

Sambucus nigra is known as European elder or black elder. It belongs to the Viburnaceae family and sheds its leaves. Its native range includes Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It is native to Britain and Ireland as well. The plant forms a large shrub with many stems. It can also grow as a small tree.

Garden plants often reach 8–20 feet (2.4–6.1 metres) tall and wide. RHS gives a taller range, reaching 26 feet (8 metres). Some plants reach about 30 feet (9.1 metres). Growth is fast, and root suckers help it spread. Seeds can also give rise to dense groups of plants. Older bark has deep grooves. The dark green leaves are pinnate, with toothed leaflets. Each leaf can reach about 0.8 feet (0.25 metres) long. Crushed leaves give off an unpleasant smell. The leaves turn pale yellow before they fall.

Small cream or yellow-white flowers form broad, flat-topped cymes. They open in early summer, with June–July given by Missouri Botanical Garden. The flowers have a musky scent and attract butterflies. Glossy black or purple-black drupes follow in late summer and autumn. Birds feed on the fruit. Gardeners use the flowers in cordials and wine. The berries serve as ingredients for jam, syrup, and pies. RHS says to cook the flowers and fruit before eating. Other parts can harm people, dogs, and cats if eaten. Reported poisoning signs include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The plant also has a history of use in traditional medicine.

Grow elder in sun or partial shade. Full sun gives the best flower and fruit crops. It prefers moist soil rich in humus, with good drainage. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Sources report some drought tolerance, though moist soil suits fruit production. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–9; RHS rates it H6. Use it for informal hedges, screens, or background planting. It also suits woodland edges and spaces where spread is welcome.

Remove unwanted suckers to keep its spread in check. Hard pruning can help limit its size. Aphids and spider mites may attack the plant. Canker, leaf spot, and powdery mildew can occur. RHS also lists honey fungus and verticillium wilt as risks. Strong winds and heavy snow can break branches. Its fast spread can make it weedy in some regions.