Sambucus tigranii

Sambucus tigranii, also known as the Armenian elderberry, is a large ornamental bush with young, reddish-orange shoots, early spring flowering in a creamy yellow colour, and clusters of large red fruits that ripen in August-September. The fruits are edible once cooked, with a sweet flavour, and are loved by birds. This elderberry can be used in wild hedges or as a grove near fruit trees, where it will attract many pollinators.

Sambucus tigranii is a botanical species that grows in Armenia and Georgia up to an altitude of 1500m. This plant, which has become rare in nature, prefers fertile, humus-bearing, slightly moist soils that are rich in nitrogen. It also tolerates slightly poorer, limestone, and dry soils, but its growth will be slower in such conditions. It is a large deciduous bush from the Adoxaceae or Viburnaceae family, depending on the classification. The plant has a more tree-like habit than a truly bushy one, with an open structure, and one or more small trunks carrying slightly trailing branches. It grows rapidly, reaching a height of 3 to 5m and a spread of 2 to 3m within 5 to 7 years. Its bark is light and channelled. The flexible branches bear deciduous leaves. The dark green foliage is dense, composed of opposite leaves divided into 7 to 9 oblong leaflets with finely toothed edges, measuring 15-20cm long. It flowers in paniculate clusters of star-shaped, creamy yellow, nectar-rich flowers at the tips of the shoots between March and April, depending on the climate. This is followed by beautiful clusters of highly decorative berries, round and shiny red when ripe in August-September, which are a delight for birds.

The Armenian elderberry is a collectable plant that is quite similar to the red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa). Like its close relative, it is a beautiful, natural countryside shrub that promotes biodiversity. Whether used in an informal hedge or a grove on a slope, it can be combined with hazelnut trees, a deciduous spindle tree 'Red Wine', or a pink-veiled Arnold's rowan, for example, to enjoy their decorative fruiting and autumn colours. It also pairs well with Hydrangea quercifolia, Parrotia persica, and more.

In the garden:

Elderberry leaves are known to accelerate compost decomposition. A black elderberry leaf infusion is useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and aphid attacks or rodent infestations: soak 1kg of leaves in 10L of water for a few days, then spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it attracts birds that prey on insects.