Sambucus nigra Pendula - Sambucus nigra Monstrosa - Elder

Sambucus nigra 'Pendula' is a rare black elder with a weeping form. It is a shrub that reaches a height of 2m at maturity, with gracefully drooping branches. They bear elegant green foliage. In early summer, it is adorned with large, fluffy white umbels, followed by a fruiting of edible black berries. Hardy and deciduous like all elders, it develops a very unique silhouette among elders.

Sambucus nigra is a plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, just like honeysuckles. It is a wild species widespread in Europe, North Africa, and as far as Asia Minor. The Black Elder is an opportunistic and highly adaptable species. It is therefore a low-maintenance and truly easy plant to grow anywhere. It tolerates clay-limestone soils perfectly, even relatively dry ones if they are deep.

The 'Pendula' form reaches a height of 2m at maturity with a width of 2 to 3m. Its branches are very flexible and gracefully droop from all sides, over a good length. From spring to autumn, it bears elegant green foliage. Its leaves are divided into elongated leaflets with toothed edges, slightly glossy on the upper side. Flowering usually occurs in June (a little earlier or later depending on the climate), in the form of long-lasting, 10 to 12cm wide false umbels. The small flowers are white and fragrant, with 5 petals. This flowering attracts many pollinating insects. The edible and tasty fruits are black to purplish berries with soft flesh, measuring 6 to 8mm in diameter.

The 'Pendula' elder is an exceptional specimen that is best showcased by planting it alone or in a mix of shrubs and perennials. It can be trained against a wall to highlight its drooping branches, like an umbrella. Like all elders, it is very hardy and easy to combine with other shrubs that flower in spring or summer. Pair it with Lilacs, Ornamental Crabapples, Prunus, or Viburnums. In a mixed border, add shorter shrubs and perennials that don't overshadow it. In very moist soil, near a water source, it can serve as a backdrop behind very tall perennials like Ligularias or large ferns, and evoke a greatly reduced weeping willow.

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

In the garden: elder leaves are known to accelerate compost decomposition. The black elder leaf infusion is useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and aphid attacks or rodents: macerate 1kg of leaves in 10L of water for a few days and spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it attracts birds that prey on insects.