Intense purple black foliage is finely cut like lace, giving it an effect similar to that of Japanese maple. Indeed, some designers are using it in place of more sensitive plants since Black Lace is extremely durable and adaptable.

It is a large, upright, deciduous shrub that typically matures to 6-8’ tall.

It is particularly noted for its aromatic late spring flowers and its edible fruits (elderberries). Compound pinnate leaves (to 10” long) are dark green. Each leaf contains 3-7 serrate, ovate to elliptic leaflets (to 5” long). Leaves have an unpleasant aroma when cut or crushed. Tiny white flowers in large flattened umbel-like cymes (to 10” across) bloom in June-July. Flowers have a musky fragrance. Flowers give way to clusters of glossy black elderberry fruits (each to 3/8” across) in late summer. Fruits have been used to make jams, jellies and pie fillings, but are not considered to be as flavorful as the American elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis). Fruits and flowers have also been used to make elderberry wine. Fruits are attractive to birds and wildlife.

PLEASE NOTE: To produce berries, you'll need a Black Beauty®, Instant Karma®, or Laced Up® elderberry as a pollinator

Common Name: black elder

Type: Deciduous shrub

Family: Adoxaceae

Zone: 4 to 7

Height: 6.00 to 8.00 feet

Spread: 6.00 to 8.00 feet

Bloom Time: June to July

Bloom Description: Pink

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium to wet

Maintenance: High

Suggested Use: Hedge, Naturalize, Rain Garden

Flower: Showy, Fragrant

Leaf: Colorful

Attracts: Birds, Butterflies

Fruit: Showy, Edible