Sambucus nigra subsp. Canadensis 'Maxima'

This is a particularly beautiful American elder, related to our common elder of hedges and copses. This plant was one of the 'Restoration plantings' of 2004, and is situated on the edge of Osborns Field (area J on downloadable map). Sambucus canadendis was introduced to the UK from America in 1761. It is native of eastern N. America from Canada to Florida. The cultivar 'Maxima' is the most remarkable form, with large leaves and enormous cream-coloured flower clusters, that are pleasantly fragrant. The rosy purple flower stalks, which remain after the flowers have fallen, are an added attraction. The largest heads of flowers may be obtained by hard pruning in early spring!