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Sambucus (Sambucus)
Sambucus produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of sambucus .
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Key Facts About Sambucus
Feedback
Attributes of Sambucus
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Harvest Time
Summer
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Sambucus
Distribution of Sambucus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Sambucus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Sambucus
Feedback
Sambucus requires moderate care. It thrives best in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers cooler temperatures and is less tolerant to heat. Major challenges include pests like aphids, sawfly larvae, and elder beetle, and diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spots. Sambucus is vulnerable to frost and needs protection in winter. Spring is the best season for pruning to maintain plant health and shape.
How to Water Sambucus ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sambucus ?
How to Propagate Sambucus ?
How to Plant Sambucus ?
Exploring the Sambucus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Elder
Elder is a malodorous shrub whose berries nevertheless act as an important food source for birds. To humans, except for its flowers and ripen fruits, other parts are poisonous. Ripen fruits can be cooked and made into jams, jellies and chutneys, while flowers could be made into syrups, but it is recommended to be guided by a professional before picking.
American elder
American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a North American native deciduous shrub with enormous inflorescence of grouped small white flowers and dangling bunches of mauveine berries. When cooked, the fruits can be added to pies, pancakes, and jellies. Wine can also be produced from its flowers and fruits. The bushy leaves and arching branches attract wildlife, providing nesting space for birds.
Red elderberry
Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is a popular choice for natural landscape design projects. Flowers of red elderberry attract butterflies and hummingbirds while the fruits bring in other birds. But it is poisonous to human so extreme caution should be exercised.
Dwarf elder
Dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus) is indigenous to southern and central Europe and southwest Asia. The plant has a slightly unpleasant smell when its leaves are crushed. It produces clusters of white or pink flowers that mature into small, black berries.
Chinese red elder
Chinese red elder is a fascinating plant that offers many unique qualities. This plant is highly valued for its economic potential, as it is used in traditional medicine and as a natural dye. Additionally, chinese red elder is known for its ability to attract various birds and insects, making it an excellent addition to any garden. It is interesting to note that this plant has a special appearance, with its beautiful clusters of small white flowers. Its name, Sambucus chinensis, is derived from its native region in China. Overall, chinese red elder is an intriguing plant with multiple interesting and valuable characteristics.
North china red elder
North china red elder (Sambucus williamsii) is a deciduous tree that tends not to grow very tall. Native to northern China, it produces round clusters of bright red berries and showy panicles of white flowers. The berries attract a variety of birds. All members of this genus are toxic to humans, however.
Fern-leaved Elderberry
Fern-leaved Elderberry produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of fern-leaved Elderberry.
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold' is a Red elderberry cultivar noted for the multi-seasonal interest provided by the spectacular colors of its lacy foliage. The leaf buds emerge bronze-red and eventually turn to golden yellow, unlike its parent plant which has green leaves through most of the growing season. When grown in shade, the foliage becomes more lime green.
All Species of Sambucus
Elder
Elder
Elder is a malodorous shrub whose berries nevertheless act as an important food source for birds. To humans, except for its flowers and ripen fruits, other parts are poisonous. Ripen fruits can be cooked and made into jams, jellies and chutneys, while flowers could be made into syrups, but it is recommended to be guided by a professional before picking.
American elder
American elder
American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a North American native deciduous shrub with enormous inflorescence of grouped small white flowers and dangling bunches of mauveine berries. When cooked, the fruits can be added to pies, pancakes, and jellies. Wine can also be produced from its flowers and fruits. The bushy leaves and arching branches attract wildlife, providing nesting space for birds.
Red elderberry
Red elderberry
Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is a popular choice for natural landscape design projects. Flowers of red elderberry attract butterflies and hummingbirds while the fruits bring in other birds. But it is poisonous to human so extreme caution should be exercised.
Dwarf elder
Dwarf elder
Dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus) is indigenous to southern and central Europe and southwest Asia. The plant has a slightly unpleasant smell when its leaves are crushed. It produces clusters of white or pink flowers that mature into small, black berries.
Chinese red elder
Chinese red elder
Chinese red elder is a fascinating plant that offers many unique qualities. This plant is highly valued for its economic potential, as it is used in traditional medicine and as a natural dye. Additionally, chinese red elder is known for its ability to attract various birds and insects, making it an excellent addition to any garden. It is interesting to note that this plant has a special appearance, with its beautiful clusters of small white flowers. Its name, Sambucus chinensis, is derived from its native region in China. Overall, chinese red elder is an intriguing plant with multiple interesting and valuable characteristics.
North china red elder
North china red elder
North china red elder (Sambucus williamsii) is a deciduous tree that tends not to grow very tall. Native to northern China, it produces round clusters of bright red berries and showy panicles of white flowers. The berries attract a variety of birds. All members of this genus are toxic to humans, however.
Fern-leaved Elderberry
Fern-leaved Elderberry
Fern-leaved Elderberry produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of fern-leaved Elderberry.
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold' is a Red elderberry cultivar noted for the multi-seasonal interest provided by the spectacular colors of its lacy foliage. The leaf buds emerge bronze-red and eventually turn to golden yellow, unlike its parent plant which has green leaves through most of the growing season. When grown in shade, the foliage becomes more lime green.
Elderberries 'Gerda'
Elderberries 'Gerda'
Elderberries 'Gerda' is also known as 'black beauty' for its dramatic purple-black leaves which are much more attention-grabbing than the plain green leaves of the parent. This comparatively recent hybrid was developed in England. The bright purple berries attract birds to the garden. This resilient shrub grows well in many types of soil.
Elder 'Eiffel 1'
Elder 'Eiffel 1'
The elder 'Eiffel 1' stands out for its dark purple leaves and its tall, slender shape, reminiscent of the Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eiffel 1'. In contrast, most elders have green leaves and a rounded, bushy shape. Its fruit attracts butterflies and birds. It thrives in direct sun and this hybrid makes an excellent specimen shrub.
Elder 'Eva'
Elder 'Eva'
Elder 'Eva' is a most striking elderberry hybrid that features pink-white flowers and deep burgundy leaves. These adaptations make this a far more showy variety than its green-leaved parent. It can be grown as a specimen shrub or shaped into screens or hedging. Its deer resistance gives it added garden appeal.
Red elderberry 'Tenuifolia'
Red elderberry 'Tenuifolia'
Marked by its very fine, fern-like leaves and yellow springtime flowers, red elderberry 'Tenuifolia' has a distinct look among elderberry shrubs. Raised as a sport from the Sambucus racemosa, this cultivar was aptly named after the Latin word for "thin leaves." red elderberry 'Tenuifolia''s unique foliage, appeal to wildlife, and compact size have made it increasingly popular.
Chinese elder
Chinese elder
Sambucus javanica, the Chinese elder, is a species of elderberry in the family Adoxaceae native to subtropical and tropical Asia. It is found naturally in Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, China (except in the north), India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia (in Sabah), the Philippines, southern Thailand, and Vietnam. It is a perennial herb or a small shrub 1–2 m (3 ft 3 in–6 ft 7 in) tall. Parts of the plant are used locally, variously as analgesics, blood purifiers, bowel and bladder stimulants, or even for poison. It is also believed to be an aid against numbness, rheumatism, spasms, swelling, and trauma, as well as for general bone and circulatory health.
Elder 'Guincho Purple'
Elder 'Guincho Purple'
Elder 'Guincho Purple' is an elder with a difference, sporting deep-colored, purple-tinged leaves rather than the usual vibrant green. This plant is a cultivar of the European elder, also called Sambucus nigra. It features "Purple" in its name for obvious foliage-related reasons.
Elder 'Aurea'
Elder 'Aurea'
Elder 'Aurea' produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of elder 'Aurea'.
Variegated black elder
Variegated black elder
Two-colored, or variegated, leaves give Variegated black elder its name and make it stand out from other elders. Variegated black elder is quite a high-maintenance shrub but rewards growers with several seasons of interest. It is ideal as a hedge or screen but also looks great in mass plantings. Both its white flowers and red berries attract animals to the garden.
White elderberry
White elderberry
White elderberry is a shade-loving Australian shrub found in cool woodlands and deep valleys. It is most easily recognized by its white berries, which appear in the fall. It is grown ornamentally in Australia for these berries and its white flowers. Though the berries are only known to cause discomfort if eaten raw, the leaves and stems are poisonous.
Rocky mountain elder
Rocky mountain elder
Rocky mountain elder is a deciduous shrub with elegant arching branches, best known for its clusters of dark purple to black berries. Its finely serrated, green leaves transform into a vibrant array of autumn hues. The plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is often found in forest margins, benefiting from dappled sunlight to develop its hallmark fruit.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Sambucus
Sambucus
Sambucus produce small white flowers in late spring, followed by black, blue-black berries. They contain toxins in their leaves, bark, and raw fruit so do not try the fruits without guidance from experts. Dye and colorants can be extracted from them, which will turn reddish if diluted with water. In the Harry Potter movies, there is an wand made from the wood of sambucus .
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
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Key Facts About Sambucus
Feedback
Attributes of Sambucus
Planting Time
Spring, Fall
Harvest Time
Summer
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
0 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Sambucus
Distribution of Sambucus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Sambucus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Sambucus
Feedback
Sambucus requires moderate care. It thrives best in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers cooler temperatures and is less tolerant to heat. Major challenges include pests like aphids, sawfly larvae, and elder beetle, and diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spots. Sambucus is vulnerable to frost and needs protection in winter. Spring is the best season for pruning to maintain plant health and shape.
How to Water Sambucus ?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sambucus ?
How to Propagate Sambucus ?
How to Plant Sambucus ?
Exploring the Sambucus Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Elder
Elder is a malodorous shrub whose berries nevertheless act as an important food source for birds. To humans, except for its flowers and ripen fruits, other parts are poisonous. Ripen fruits can be cooked and made into jams, jellies and chutneys, while flowers could be made into syrups, but it is recommended to be guided by a professional before picking.
American elder
American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a North American native deciduous shrub with enormous inflorescence of grouped small white flowers and dangling bunches of mauveine berries. When cooked, the fruits can be added to pies, pancakes, and jellies. Wine can also be produced from its flowers and fruits. The bushy leaves and arching branches attract wildlife, providing nesting space for birds.
Red elderberry
Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is a popular choice for natural landscape design projects. Flowers of red elderberry attract butterflies and hummingbirds while the fruits bring in other birds. But it is poisonous to human so extreme caution should be exercised.
Dwarf elder
Dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus) is indigenous to southern and central Europe and southwest Asia. The plant has a slightly unpleasant smell when its leaves are crushed. It produces clusters of white or pink flowers that mature into small, black berries.
Show More Species
All Species of Sambucus
Elder
American elder
Red elderberry
Dwarf elder
Chinese red elder
North china red elder
Fern-leaved Elderberry
Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'
Elderberries 'Gerda'
Elder 'Eiffel 1'
Elder 'Eva'
Red elderberry 'Tenuifolia'
Chinese elder
Elder 'Guincho Purple'
Elder 'Aurea'
Variegated black elder
White elderberry
Rocky mountain elder
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
