Sambucus nigra Linearis - Black Elder

Sambucus nigra Linearis, also known as Sambucus nigra Heterophylla, is a particularly striking and original form of black elderberry. This very beautiful deciduous bush, with a compact habit, develops unique foliage so finely cut that it almost appears frayed. In June its green and laciniate leaves come alive with honey-scented blooms in large cream-white umbels, much visited by butterflies and bees. They are followed by almost black berries, delicious in pies or jams. This small hardy elderberry, as elegant as a Japanese maple, accepts all types of soil very well. It will stand out in a border or reign supreme in a large pot on the terrace or balcony.

Sambucus nigra Linearis belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, like honeysuckles. It comes from Sambucus nigra, a wild species widespread in Europe, North Africa, and as far as Asia Minor. It is a bush with a graceful, spreading, and rounded habit, supported by arching branches, not exceeding 1.50 m (5ft) to 2 m (7ft) in all directions. Its rapid growth allows it to mature in 7 years. Its foliage is its first asset; its leaves are cut into many very thin leaflets, almost reduced to veins, twisted, of light green and matte color. Some leaflets are wider. Flowering usually occurs in June (or a little earlier depending on the climate), in the form of large false umbels, 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) wide. The small white and fragrant flowers, with 5 petals, are carried on reddish petioles. The edible and tasty fruits are black to purplish berries with soft flesh, measuring 6 to 8 mm (1in) in diameter.

The Linearis elderberry is unquestionably elegant with its finely cut foliage in the manner of Japanese maples, and its very compact habit. Like all elderberries, it is hardy and easy to grow in ordinary soil that is not too dry, with no specific requirements regarding soil type. Plant e.g. in the foreground of a shrub border, or near an entrance, under a window, or at the bend of a path. You can also keep it in a large pot or container for many years. It combines well with goldenrods (Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks', Solidago 'Goldenmosa', Solidago shortii), burnet roses, or viburnum sapwood.

In the kitchen: the flowers can be prepared in fritters or syrup by macerating them in sugar. The buds, preserved in vinegar, are used to enhance salads, and the berries are consumed as juice, jellies or jams, or in wine. They pleasantly flavour apple cakes. Only the flowers and berries without their stalks are edible, the rest of the plant can be toxic.

In the garden: Elder leaves are known to accelerate compost decomposition. A black elder leaf infusion proves useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and aphid or rodent attacks: macerate 1 kg of leaves for a few days in 10 L of water, and spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it attracts insect-predatory birds.