Elder (elderberry) Sambucus nigra
Elder (elderberry) (Sambucus nigra) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Adoxaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It grows 3–5 m (10–16 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Elder (elderberry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Mature height | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: cooked ripe berries, flowers |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Elder (elderberry) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: raw berries, leaves, stems, bark, roots
Raw berries, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrin) and cause vomiting; cook berries before eating.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Elder (elderberry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Elder (elderberry)
- How far apart should I plant Elder (elderberry)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Elder (elderberry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Elder (elderberry) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Elder (elderberry)?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Elder (elderberry) flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Elder (elderberry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Raw berries, leaves and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrin) and cause vomiting; cook berries before eating.
- What grows well with Elder (elderberry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Elder (elderberry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Fast growing and regrows after hard pruning; purple-leaved forms (Black Lace) are ornamental; berries must be cooked before eating.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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