Sambucus nigra Pulverulenta - Black Elder

Sambucus nigra Pulverulenta is a lovely form of the black elderberry with variegated foliage. It eventually forms a beautiful bush with a dense and rounded habit, displaying light green leaves splashed with pure white. In early summer it is adorned with large, fluffy white umbels, followed by edible black berries. Hardy and deciduous like all black elderberries, this variety has a slower growth rate than others, and its foliage should be protected from the intense rays of the sun. Spectacular and bright, it makes a welcome addition to a large country hedge, in a semi-shaded location.

Sambucus nigra Pulverulenta is a plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, like honeysuckles. 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 clearings, hedges, fallow land, coastal dunes, and even in close proximity to human settlements. As such, it is an undemanding shrub that can easily be grown anywhere. The 'Pulverulenta' form has a denser, more branched and rounded habit, reaching 2 to 4 metres (7 to 13 feet) in all directions, with rather slow growth. Its foliage is particularly bright: its leaves are divided into numerous light green leaflets, with almost white serrated edges in spring. In summer the vegetation appears splashed with creamy spots. Flowering usually occurs in June (or slightly earlier or later depending on the climate), in the form of long-lasting false umbels, 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) wide. The small, white, fragrant flowers with 5 petals are borne on reddish petioles. The edible and flavourful fruits are black to purplish berries with soft flesh, measuring 6 to 8 mm (1 in) in diameter.

Pulverulenta black elderberry is an excellent hedge shrub, suitable for locations away from scorching sun that could damage its foliage. Like all elderberries, it is very hardy and can be integrated into a bed of spring or summer flowering shrubs, used as a backdrop for tall perennials (Gunnera, Ligularia, large ferns in moist soil), or placed along a pathway. It can also be kept in a large pot or container for many years. It works well in combination with lilacs, mock oranges, landscape roses, pimpinellifolia roses, sapwood viburnums, variegated Weigela florida, and many other shrubs.

In the kitchen: The flowers can be prepared as fritters or used to make syrup by macerating them in sugar. The flower buds, steeped in vinegar, are used to enhance salads, and the berries are consumed as juice, jellies or jams, or made into wine. They add a pleasant fragrance to 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. Black elderberry leaf extract can be useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and aphid attacks or rodent infestations: macerate 1 kg of leaves in 10 L of water for a few days and spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it attracts insect-eating birds.