Elder

Sambucus nigra

Height 10 m, bole up to 50 cm diameter. Deciduous. Crown is rounded. Bark is light brown, or grey, thick, deeply fissured and corky. Many branches arise from base, later arch back towards the ground. Leaves are opposite, with terminal leaflet, two or three pairs of lateral leaflets, 3-9 cm.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Widespread through Europe, North Africa. Common in hedgerows.

What are its young like?

Flowers are creamy-white, 5 mm across, massed in large clusters with flat-topped head and a heavy, sweet scent. Purple berries ripening in August and September.

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