Sambucus nigra var. albida - Black Elder

The Sambucus nigra 'Albida' (synonym S. nigra var. albida) is a form with white berries of the black elderberry that is not very common in cultivation and gardens. It is a large bush or small tree native to wild-looking and interesting for its melliferous flowering, its berries enjoyed by birds and gourmet gardeners, and its robust constitution. It is readily adopted in a bocage hedge in all regions. It provides shelter and food for numerous species that are important for the ecological balance of the garden. The black elderberry is perfectly hardy and adapts to all types of soil.

The Sambucus nigra 'Albida' has a spreading and rounded habit. Apart from its white fruiting, it shares all the characteristics of the species with black fruits. It grows quickly, reaching between 4 and 6 m (13 and 20ft) in all directions, depending on the nature of the soil. This large bush belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. The species is widespread in Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. Opportunistic and highly adaptable, it is found in open woods, hedges, fallow land, coastal dunes, and even near human settlements, with which it has coexisted for millennia. It is also a medicinal plant, with its flowers used in infusions to combat urinary and respiratory infections. The leaves of the black elderberry, initially light green then dark green, are about 30 cm (12in) long and consist of 5 to 7 leaflets measuring 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6in), ovate, pointed, and dentate. They turn yellow in autumn before falling. The flowers appear in May or June, depending on the climate. They form large corymbs measuring 10 to 24 cm (4 to 9in) in diameter, with tightly packed small flowers with 5 creamy white petals. The fruits are arranged in clusters of berries measuring 6 to 8 mm (1in) in diameter, initially green and becoming almost white when ripe. The bark is light green and then grey, with a cracked and fissured appearance, becoming spongy with age.

Easy to grow, the 'Albida' black elderberry is an excellent bush for a free hedge. It can also be included in a large mass planting of shrubs with spring or summer flowering. Combine it with other countryside species such as hornbeams, guelder roses, medlars, hawthorns, dogwoods, and hazels.