Sambucus nigra Pyramidalis - Elder

Sambucus nigra 'Pyramidalis', also known as Sambucus nigra var. fastigiata, is a rather unusual black elderberry with its narrow upright habit and "compressed" foliage. Contrary to what its name suggests, this cultivar from Poland forms a particularly dense column-like shape during the growing season. In winter, the shrub displays its thick vertical branches and fissured bark. Its white umbel flowers in June add to its charm. Hardy and easy to grow in ordinary soil, this elderberry is best planted as a prominent specimen.

Sambucus nigra 'Pyramidalis' is the name given to two fastigiate forms of the black elderberry. Both have a very upright habit. The first 'Pyramidalis' only differs from the species by its vertical branches that are close to the trunk. The second also has very short internodes, which contribute to the particularly "compressed" appearance of the foliage. The 'Pyramidalis' cultivar distributed by Polish nurseries seems to be the second form.

The 'Pyramidalis' black elderberry is rare in cultivation and deserves to be planted more widely. This variety was found in Germany and introduced into commerce in 1865. It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae, Adoxaceae, or Viburnaceae family, depending on the classification. It is an upright, columnar and rather narrow shrub. It grows slightly slower than the wild species and can reach 3 to 4 m in height and up to 1 m in width. All branches of this cultivar point vertically upwards and are sparsely branched. Some branches may grow only from a single upper bud. This type of growth is responsible for the bush's very unusual appearance. The dark green leaves have the same structure as those of the species, with 5 to 7 ovate and toothed leaflets, but they are slightly smaller and arranged more densely on the branches. After the leaves fall in autumn, the rather loose structure of this shrub can be seen, consisting of simple, straight, and thick branches. Flowering occurs in May-June, depending on the climate. The flowers form flat and rounded cymes, measuring 8 to 12 cm in diameter, slightly smaller than those of the species. Pollinated by bees, these flowers produce small black drupes. The flowers and fruits have medicinal uses and are used in the production of liqueurs, jams, preserves, etc. This shrub is resistant to the coldest winters.

This variety of black elderberry 'Pyramidalis' is primarily grown for its decorative value. It requires a fertile, rich, and alkaline soil. It is resistant to pollution and can be planted in small urban gardens. It can be planted as a solitary specimen, in small groups, or as a hedge to create a green screen. It can also be showcased near an entrance, window, or along a path. It can be paired, for example, with dark foliage plants such as the black elderberry 'Black Beauty', the sand cherry 'Prunus cistena', 'Weigelia florida 'Alexandra'', or the ninebark 'Physocarpus opulifolius 'Red Baron''. To adorn its base, choose dwarf conifers with a creeping habit (Juniperus communis 'Repanda', Juniperus squamata 'Blue Carpet'...)

In the kitchen: the flowers can be prepared as fritters or syrup by macerating them in sugar. The flower buds pickled in vinegar can be used to enhance salads, and the berries can be consumed as juice, jellies, or jams, or made into wine. They add a pleasant fragrance to 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 accelerate compost decomposition. Black elderberry leaf infusion is useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and aphid or rodent attacks: soak 1 kg of leaves in 10 L of water for a few days and spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it attracts insect-eating birds.