Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Black, Blue

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate, Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

'Elata' is a slightly taller, narrower form of A. melanocarpa, with less of a tendency to sucker, growing 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Clusters of white spring flowers are followed by fruit that ripens to blue-black in the fall and persists into the winter months. Leaves are oval to elliptical and glossy green, turning a brilliant red in the fall. An exceptional landscape plant, working well in traditional landscapes, habitat and bird gardens, and more natural or woodland landscapes.

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of wide range of soils, including both dry and boggy soils. Best fruit production occurs in full sun. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies, though it does so slowly and is not aggressive. Rarely requires pruning; selectively remove branches to control height (see Guides).