Sambucus nigra  subsp. canadensis 'Maxima'
(American Elderberry)

Family - Adoxaceae
Category - Shrub
Season of Interest - Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H7
Height - up to 3.5m if not controlled
Location - The House Border

Description: A large, Deciduous Shrub with an upright, bushy habit. Long, bright green pinnate leaves have oblong to lanceolate leaflets. Small, creamy white flowers are held in enormous flowerheads that can reach 30cm or more across. The flowers are produced from mid to late summer and held on pinkish-purple stalks that persist and remain attractive after the Blooms have passed. Round, dark purple-black fruit is produced in the autumn.

Synonym - Sambucus canadensis 'Maxima'

Gallery Images:

Flower:

Large, flattened panicles of small, creamy white flowers are produced in July and August on attractive pinkish-purple flower stalks that remain attractive once the blossoms have passed. Flowerheads can grow to 30cm or more across. Dark purple-black fruit is produced in the autumn.

Flower colour: White

Flower shape: Panicles

Flowering time: July, August

Foliage:

Bright green pinnate leaves have lanceolate to oblong leaflets and can grow to 45cm in length.

Foliage Senescence: Deciduous

Foliage Shape: Pinnate with lanceolate to oblong leaflets

Propagation:

Cuttings.

Cultivation:

Best in full sun in moisture retentive soil.