SAMBUCUS

Commonly known as Elder

All flower JUN-JUL

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.

Further Reading....
  • Deciduous
  • Tall Shrub
  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Grown for foliage, flowers and fruits. Good for wildlife garden. Tolerates hard pruning to restrict size
    Place of origin
    Eurasia, north and tropical east Africa, Australia, N. and S. America
  • Scented Plants
    Scented flowers
    Musk-scented flowers
  • Toxic - Category C
    Harmful if eaten
    People & pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits rodents, notably cats, dogs. Fruit and flowers edible if cooked
  • Wildlife
    Bee friendly
    Butterfly friendly
    Rabbit Resistant
Sambucus - Growing Guide

Buy Varieties of SAMBUCUS

SAMBUCUS nigra

SAMBUCUS nigra

Black elder, Common elder, Pipe tree

cream coloured fragrant flowers and black fruits

 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
individually £11.00 each , 10+ £10.00 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Aurea'

Golden elder

golden-yellow leaves

 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Beauty'

Common elder

dramatic dark purple foliage which appears almost black from a distance. Creamy pink buds and flowers are followed by blackish red berries

 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Black Lace'

Common elder

dramatic dark purple, nearly-black foliage and dissected leaves like a Japanese maple.

 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant
Also Large
£75.00 each 
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Golden Tower'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Golden Tower'

Common elder

deeply cut bright golden leaves. Upright and narrow habit

 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant
SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'

SAMBUCUS nigra 'Guincho Purple'

Purple-leaved elder

deep blackish purple leaves turning red in autumn, pink-tinged flowers

 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant
 AWARD
SAMBUCUS racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'

SAMBUCUS racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'

Golden elder, Red-berried elder

the best golden form with fine cut foliage

 
MULTIBUY Any 3+ for £13.00 each
£16.00 each 
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Available late spring to early summer 2025 - Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.

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