PLANT OF THE MONTH
May, 2008
Plant of the Month Feature
by Margo Hansen
Arboretum Roots Board Member
Sambucus nigra
'Black Lace'
Black Lace European Elder
Growing up on a dairy farm near the Quad Cites, I commonly saw Elderberry bushes growing in the ditches, along streams, and at the edge of the wooded areas. Elderberry was one of those native plants that didn't merit much attention. Native Elderberry is a beautiful plant with shiny leaves; the plant grows six to eight feet. In June, the plants produce beautiful clusters of cream colored flowers. If the weather cooperates, the pollinated flowers form hard green berries that turn red and, finally, black/purple in color. In September, the berries are a real treat to many birds and wildlife.
The berries picked when ripe make marvelous jelly, soup, and wine. Harvesting was always fun for me especially if done on a beautiful Indian Summer day. The stripping of the berries from the stems the hand washing could be tedious. Once the berries were rinsed, they were put on the stove, and the juice was steamed! The juice was then strained often leaving pure juice and, of course, those dark purple juice stains on the stove and counter. All of the work for the juice that is yielded hardly seems worth it unless you have acquired a taste for elderberry jelly spread on hot flapjacks fresh out of the skillet on the wood burning stove!
Such is the manner in which I have known elderberries until several years ago when an exciting new variety called "Black Lace" was introduced. Its official name is Sambucus nigra -- 'Black Lace.' This plant is so beautiful and unique that it was named "The Best New Plant of 2006" at the American Nursery Landscaper Convention. From a distance, the plant looks like an exotic Japanese Maple. It has fine cut dark purple foliage that holds its color all season. The plant can be grown as a bold perennial, a shrub, or trained to grow as a small tree.
Black Lace European Elder is hardy to zone four. The beautiful bush will grow six to eight feet and prefers full sun for the best growth rate and color. It does best in moist soil but will tolerate dry conditions. Since the Elderberry forms its flowers in late summer for the next summer, it is best to prune it after it blooms in mid June to mid August. Yearly pruning is not necessary, but it will result in a more compact, well-formed bush. The fruit of this ornamental shrub is edible and great for birds and other wildlife. My personal rating for Black Lace European Elder is four stars!
Black Lace
European Elder blossom
About the Author: Margo Hansen is the lawn and garden manager at Paul's Discount. She has a local call-in radio show every Saturday morning on KROS. Margo has a degree from Iowa State University. The arboretum is pleased to have her as a Roots Community Board member.