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SAMBUCUS
Commonly known as Elder
Mainly ornamental but can be planted to support native butterfly and bird species.
Native elder, S. nigra has been used medicinally throughout history and is well-known as various syrups and drinks. A small tree of disturbed ground especially around farmsteads and old cottages where it thrives in nitrogen-rich soil.
A perennial, S. ebulus, Danewort, and probably native can be found scattered throughout the UK on roadsides and waste places.
Genus of about 10 species of herbaceous perennials and deciduous shrubs and trees from woodlands and thickets in temperate and subtropical regions of Eurasia, N and tropical E. Africa, Australia and North and South America.
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Deciduous
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Tall Shrub
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowGrown for foliage, flowers and fruits. Good for wildlife garden. Tolerates hard pruning to restrict sizePlace of originEurasia, north and tropical east Africa, Australia, N. and S. America
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Scented PlantsScented flowersMusk-scented flowers
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eatenPeople & pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits rodents, notably cats, dogs. Fruit and flowers edible if cooked
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WildlifeBee friendlyButterfly friendlyRabbit Resistant
Buy Varieties of SAMBUCUS
![© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. SAMBUCUS nigra](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/products/squaremedium/sambucus_nigra_pot_3862x.jpg)
SAMBUCUS nigra
cream coloured fragrant flowers and black fruits
![© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/products/squaremedium/sambucus_nigra_aurea_3864g.jpg)
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'
golden-yellow leaves
![© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/products/squaremedium/sambucus_nigra_black_beauty.jpg)
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'
dramatic dark purple foliage which appears almost black from a distance. Creamy pink buds and flowers are followed by blackish red berries
![© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/products/squaremedium/sambucus_nigra_black_lace_3867.jpg)
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'
dramatic dark purple, nearly-black foliage and dissected leaves like a Japanese maple.
![© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. SAMBUCUS nigra 'Golden Tower'](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/products/squaremedium/sambucus_nigra_golden_tower_6691.jpg)
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Golden Tower'
deeply cut bright golden leaves. Upright and narrow habit
![© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/products/squaremedium/sambucus_nigra_guincho_purple_3868a.jpg)
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'
deep blackish purple leaves turning red in autumn, pink-tinged flowers
![Royal Horticultural Society 'Award of Garden Merit' (AGM) AWARD](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/misc/agm_large.png)
![© Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only. SAMBUCUS racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/products/squaremedium/sambucus_sutherland_gold.jpg)
SAMBUCUS racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'
the best golden form with fine cut foliage
Useful extras...
![](https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/img/products/squaremedium/Vitax_Q4_6202.jpg)
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