Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Blackberry | Blackthorn / Sloe |
Elder | Burnet Rose |
Deadly Nightshade |
Dog Rose | Holly |
Guelder Rose | Rowan |
Hawthorn | Spindle Tree |
Honeysuckle | Black Bryony |
Sea Buckthorn |
Snowberry |
Advertisement


The elder is a very common hedgerow tree, easily identified by its sweet-smelling creamy-white flowers in spring, and clusters of soft black berries in late summer and autumn. The leaves are opposite, and consist of about 5 or 6 leaflets arranged in pairs. When crushed, these smell similar to the berries.
The berries are rich in Vitamin C and much used for wine-making. They can also be made into jams and jellies, but will require the addition of pectin. Alternatively they can be boiled with sugar to make a rob.