Common Elderberry

European elderberry is the large, fast-growing shrub or small tree that produces flat-topped clusters of tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in June, elderflower, the basis of cordials, liqueurs, and the increasingly popular elderflower drinks. The flowers are followed by heavy clusters of small, dark purple-black berries that ripen in August and September, used for elderberry wine, syrup, jam, and immune-support preparations. It grows ten to twenty feet with a multi-stemmed, arching habit.

In Western Washington, European elderberry grows vigorously in sun to part shade with moist soil. 'Black Lace' is the ornamental selection that changed the genus: deeply dissected, near-black foliage that reads like a Japanese maple, topped with pink-tinged flowers. 'Black Beauty' is similar but with less dissected leaves. Several diseases and pests are tracked, including borers. The fast growth and tendency to sucker make it aggressive in favorable conditions. Both the flowers and the berries must be cooked before consuming, raw berries and all green parts are mildly toxic. For a fast-growing, dual-purpose shrub that provides both ornamental beauty and culinary harvest, elderberry rewards generous watering and occasional hard pruning.