Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra 'Thundercloud'
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Common Name: Thundercloud Elderberry  
Plant photo of: Sambucus nigra 'Thundercloud'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Purple

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Blue

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half, Shade

 

Water

Low, Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Invasive, Poisonous

Design Styles

English Cottage, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Thundercloud elderberry is a deciduous shrub that grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. The leaves are pinnately compounded, and of an extraordinary blackish-burgundy color. May/June flowers are whitish-pinkish and grow in clusters that eventually give way to edible blue berries. Berries are loved by birds, but they are also good for making jams, jellies, and wine. Useful as an accent, in low spots in the garden that collect excess water. Tolerates dry shade. Foliage is fabulous in arrangements.
Best in moist soil although will tolerate dry soils. Grows in sun to shade, though will tolerate drier conditions when planted in part to full shade areas. Thrives under acid or alkaline soils. Best if pruned immediately after blooming. May be pruned to the ground each year and treated like a perennial, though this may compromise flowering. This plant will benefit from a good hard pruning as a young plant. According to the Humane Society of American, Sambucus leaves, bark, roots, and buds can be toxic to pets. This means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.