‘Laciniata’ (synonymous with and also known as ‘Acutiloba’) grows to about 5 to 8 feet tall and wide (and wider). It has compound pinnate leaves that are deeply cut. Tiny lemon-scented white flowers appear in large flat-topped clusters in June. Flowers give way to clusters of black elderberry fruits in late summer. Fruits can be used to make jams, jellies, pie filings, and elderberry wine. Fruits are attractive to wildlife. American elder (Sambucus canadensis) and European elder (Sambucus nigra) are closely related plants. The Royal Horticultural Society currently lists American elder as Sambucus nigra var. canadensis.
Grow in medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best foliage color is in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers moist, humusy ones. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies. Prune suckers as they appear unless naturalizing. A large number of late winter pruning options include (a) pruning out dead or weakened stems, (b) shortening one year stems or (c) cutting the entire plant back to the ground to rejuvenate. Some horticulturists recommend a hard spring pruning for maintaining best foliage and habit.