Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Layer 2 · Understorey
Edible companion

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to Europe, it is an indispensable multi-purpose shrub in food forests. It produces edible flowers and fruit after cooking and supports a wealth of wildlife.

It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.

See which trees elderberry grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Partial shade
Size: Shrub or small tree up to 6 m
Mature diameter: 3.5 m
Soils: Loam, Clay, Sandy
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January — Planting
February — Planting
March
April
May — Harvest
June — Harvest
July
August — Harvest
September — Harvest
October
November — Planting
December — Planting

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: Toxic when raw: cooked fruit is used in syrups and dried flowers in infusions against colds.

Where to buy

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.