Elderflower & Elderberry
Sambucus nigra (Caprifoliaceae)
Habitat and Appearance:
A shrub or small tree, 10m tall. The white-cream flower heads appear mid-summer and are wide and flat, made up of numerous little flowers. They cover the bush and in autumn produce purple fruits a little like redcurrants – equally as edible. The leaves are dull green, broad and veined with a strange smell.
Garden Suitability:
A lovely garden plant especially as a flowering, fruiting hedge which will grow tall and thick very quickly, particularly with a little pruning. Easily propagated by suckers or cuttings, enjoying any soil but loving nitrogen-rich ones.