Scientific Family
Caprifoliaceae
Other common names
European black elder
European elderberry
European black elderberry
Plant type
Trees
Riparian
Yes
Plant Description
Origin
Introduced
Similar species
Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
Multi-stemmed, fast growing shrub or small tree originating from Europe. Trunk diameter up to 12 inches.
Shrub or small tree, often branching from the base. Bark gray or brown, furrowed. Leaves opposite, pinnately compound, 5 to 9 leaflets. Top surface smooth; smooth or hairy below, toothed edges. White flowers in flat topped clusters; dark blue berries.
Height
20 feet
Width
20 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Found along streams and in canyons on moist soils in open areas in coniferous forests. Prefers moist but well-drained soil in sunny sites. Can be associated with disturbed soils. Cannot survive in deep shade.
Plant Community
Riparian
Montane Conifer Forest
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
4500
High elevation
9500
Leaves
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf hairs
Bottom of leaves
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Deciduous
Leaves are 8 inches long. Leaflets are ovate, pointed and serrated with a length of 1 to 3-1/2 inches. Pinnately compound with 5 to 9 leaflets. Unpleasant odor when crushed.
Flowers
Flower color
Yellowish-white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
August
Flowers on 5 to 8 inch flat-topped branched clusters in late spring and early summer. Flower corollas are ivory white, have 5 lobes and are perfect (contain male and female parts),
Flower clusters
Rounded
Fruit
Fruit color
Purple-black
Fruit type
Berry-like
Fruit is a glossy, dark purple to black berry 1/4 inch or slightly larger in diameter and has 3 to 5 seeds. Can be greenish-yellow before maturity. Berries are produced in drooping clusters in late autumn.