Sambucus nigra Monstrosa - Elder

Sambucus nigra Monstrosa is a genetic variation of the Elderberry commonly found in the countryside, with a much more compact habit. This bush reaches a height of about 2m and has an irregular bushy growth, characteristic of the species. Its beautiful, dark green, finely cut foliage serves as a backdrop for the white flowering in May-June, made up of clusters of numerous small flowers. Its uniqueness lies in its woody stems with atypical growth, featuring branching axes, flattened and widened stems, and sometimes fused together stems. This "monstrous" aspect will delight enthusiasts of unusual plants.

The Monstrosa Elderberry now belongs to the Adoxaceae family (formerly Caprifoliaceae), like the Viburnum. It is derived from Sambucus nigra, a wild species found in Europe, North Africa, and as far as Asia Minor. The Black Elderberry is an opportunistic and highly adaptable wild species, widespread in open woods, hedges, fallow lands and coastal dunes, as well as in proximity to human settlements where it has coexisted for millennia. It is an undemanding shrub that can be easily grown anywhere.
Monstrosa is probably a spontaneous genetic mutation, selected for ornamental purposes. This genetic variation is characterised by the presence of fasciations, which are deformed stem bundles. The apical meristem, the upper part of the stem that normally grows upwards, giving it a more or less cylindrical shape as it ascends, develops abnormally in a different direction, here horizontally. The stem then widens, accommodating more leaves than usual. Sometimes, two stems can be fused along their length. The stems can also have abrupt curves, giving them a slightly tortuous appearance.
Being a deciduous shrub, its winter silhouette is particularly atypical, which will be interesting to all. Either you love this "monstrous" aspect, or you don't, it's not a plant that will please everyone!
Apart from this unique growth, which results in smaller dimensions (about 2m x 2m at maturity), the other characteristics are consistent with the classic wild species. The foliage consists of large odd-pinnate leaves (with an odd number of leaflets, ranging from 5 to 7), in a beautiful dark green, measuring up to 25 or 30 cm in length. The small white flowers are gathered in large clusters about a dozen centimetres in diameter. Resembling tiny daisies, they emit a light but pleasant fragrance and are loved by bees and other pollinators. They can be used in infusions to fight against urinary and respiratory infections. They then develop into pendulous clusters of blackish-purple fruits in late summer, berries greatly appreciated by birds. This Elderberry loves sunny locations but also tolerates partial shade. It can grow in most soils, except for excessively dry ones, but it prefers humus-bearing, deep, and moist soils. It is a nitrophilous species, therefore it thrives in nitrogen-rich soils.

Sambucus nigra Monstrosa will mainly appeal to collectors, enthusiasts of botanical rarities. They can associate it with Cryptomeria japonica 'Cristata', a Japanese conifer that exhibits crested growth, another genetic peculiarity resulting in the formation of "rooster's crests". These crests are formed by the fusion of several young shoots at their tips. The classic Corkscrew Hazel (Corylus avellana Contorta), with its unique winter silhouette of intertwined stems, covered with long yellow catkins in spring, will also find its place in a bed dedicated to botanical curiosities. To enjoy vibrant and original blooms, sow Crested Cockscomb Celosia in the foreground to animate your bed throughout the summer!