Elder tree identification
The Elder Sambucus nigra is 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 flowers can be used to make Elderflower cordial. The fruit is used to make wine and has many medicinal uses, but the seeds and other plant parts are toxic. Sambucus is genus of deciduous trees, shrubs and herbs comprising 20 species widespread in temperate and tropical regions.
Elder tree identification is by pinnate leaf, white flowers, black berries and large purple buds. It easily recognised in late 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.
Shrub in January, showing the opposite branching that is typical of the Elder.
