Sambucus nigra 'Purpurea'
Common name: 
Purpurea Elderberry
Purpurea Elder
Pronunciation: 
sam-BEW-kus ni-GRA
Family: 
Adoxaceae, Caprifoliaceae
Genus: 
Synonyms: 
‘Guincho Purple’ ?
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf deciduous shrub, smaller than species.  Leaves are bright green when young, rapidly becoming bronze, then deep bronzy purple.  In the fall, leaves turn rich red.  Flowers are white flushed with pink and fruit black.
  • Sun and part shade.  
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 4  ‘Purpurea’ may be the same as ‘Guincho Purple’, for Dirr (1998, p. 930) states that "according to Nelson, The Plantsman 8(3):189-190 (1986), the original cultivar names 'Follis Purpureis' and 'Purpurea' are no longer valid and the name 'Guincho Purple' is proposed".  The Hiller Manual of Trees and Shurbs (1998) lists 'Follis Purpureis' and 'Purpurea' as equivalent to 'Guincho Purple'
Click image to enlarge
  • leaf

    leaf

  • flower cluster and leaves

    flower cluster and leaves