Sambucus nigra Black Tower - Black Elder

Sambucus nigra 'Black Tower' is a rather extraordinary selection of black elderberry that combines an elegant habit, dark and glossy foliage, almost blackish purple in colour, and a spring flowering in shades of pink to white, absolutely delightful. In addition to its obvious ornamental qualities, this beautiful deciduous shrub is very accommodating and highly robust. A magnificent columnar plant, to be showcased in isolation, in a large shrub border, or in a flowering hedge.

Sambucus nigra 'Black Tower' belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, just like honeysuckles. It is a horticultural creation from East Malling Research Station (GB) dating back to 2011. This shrub is derived from Sambucus nigra, a wild species widespread in Europe, North Africa, and up to Asia Minor. This 'Black Tower' elderberry has an upright, narrow, and columnar habit, supported by flexible branches. At the age of 4, it reaches about 2m (6ft 7in) in height and 1m (3ft 4in) in width. Ultimately, it can grow up to 4m (13ft 1in) in height and spread over 2m (6ft 7in) in width. Its rapid growth allows it to reach maturity around the age of 7. Its foliage is splendid; the leaves are divided into elongated leaflets with serrated edges, slightly glossy on the upper surface. They are purple in spring, quickly turning almost black, and then slightly greenish in summer. The flowering usually occurs in May (or slightly later depending on the climate). It takes the form of false umbels measuring 10 to 20cm (7.9in) in width. The small, lightly scented flowers, with 5 petals, are carried by reddish petioles. Their colour changes from dark pink to pink and then to creamy white. After pollination by insects, clusters of small, shiny, almost blackish purple berries appear. These berries are highly sought after by certain birds, but they are not edible raw for humans.

The 'Black Tower' elderberry seduces with the elegance of its habit and the range of colours it offers to the garden. Its singular appearance makes it a good choice for contemporary gardens, to which it brings a touch of Japan, with its slight resemblance to Japanese maple. Its verticality allows for variation and structuring of shrub borders. In the garden, black pairs well with grey or yellow foliage as well as with white, pink, or red flowers. For example, it can be associated with Buddleia alternifolia, which forms a magnificent flowering fountain, and Elaeagnus 'Zemplin', with its silvery foliage; the contrast of shapes and colours will be interesting. Create a beautiful scene in harmonious colours with Lagerstroemia 'Black Solitaire' and a large pink, red, or purple rose bush. Like all elderberries, it is hardy and easy to grow in ordinary, not too dry soil. Plant it prominently, preferably in the foreground, or near an entrance or along a path.

In the kitchen: the flowers can be prepared as fritters or syrup by macerating them in sugar. The flower buds in vinegar are used to enhance salads, and the berries are consumed as juice, jellies or preserves, or in wine. They pleasantly flavour apple cakes. Only the flowers and berries without their petioles are edible; the rest of the plant can be toxic.

In the garden: elderberry leaves are known to speed up compost decomposition. Black elderberry leaf infusion is useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and aphid attacks, or rodent infestations: macerate 1kg of leaves in 10L of water for a few days and spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it attracts insect-eating birds.