Sambucus nigra 'Witches Broom'
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Common Name: black elder
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Adoxaceae
Zone: 5 to 7
Height: 0.5 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 0.5 to 0.75 feet
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
Bloom Color: 
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: High
Leaves: Fragrant
Uses: Rain Garden

Culture

Grow in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist soils in full sun.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This black or European elderberry cultivar is a dwarf which only reaches 8" in height. Although the species is a large shrub or small tree which produces yellowish-white flowers followed by shiny, purplish-black, edible (though not particularly palatable) fruit, this cultivar is basically a non-flowering dwarf. Features compound, pinnate, dark green leaves which are unpleasantly aromatic when bruised. Semi-evergreen in warm winter areas.

Problems

Some susceptibility to powdery mildew, leaf spot, spider mites and aphids.

Garden Uses

An interesting plant for the rock garden or massed as a ground cover for small areas.

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