Elder Sambucus nigra
A shrub or small tree which grows in hedgerows and woods throughout Britain. It is also native to Europe, North Africa and south west Asia. The fruit is used to make wine and has many medicinal uses, but the seeds and other plant parts are toxic. It is easily recognised in spring when it bears flat plates of white flowers and in autumn from its black berries. In winter it has distinctive branches with big purple buds. Click on any photo to enlarge it.
Elder tree in August.
Elder shrub in September.
There are 5 to 7 tooth-edged leaflets on each leaf. This is a pinnate leaf.
The leaves are in opposite pairs.
The flowers are in flat-topped clusters called cymes. Photo taken at the end of June.
Fruit (Elderberries) in late September
The bark of a mature Elder tree has criss-crossed ridges. Young Elder shrubs have grooved bark.
The buds are opposite and are large, purple and look ragged. Photo taken in January