Black elder

Black Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae, native to most of Europe and North America. It is commonly known as European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry.

Description

Black Elder is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 4–6 m (rarely to 10 m) tall. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, 10–30 cm long, pinnate with five to seven (rarely nine) leaflets, the leaflets 5–12 cm long and 3–5 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are creamy-white, 5–6 mm in diameter, produced in large, flat corymbs 10–25 cm diameter in late spring to mid-summer; they are hermaphrodite, with five petals and five sepals. The fruit is a dark purple to black berry 3–5 mm diameter, produced in drooping clusters in the late autumn; they are an important food for many fruit-eating birds.

Uses

The flowers of Black Elder are used to produce elderflower cordial, and, when fermented, they can be used to make a mildly alcoholic, sparkling elderflower 'champagne'. The fruit is used to make elderberry wine, and when cooked, can be used in jams, chutneys, and desserts. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of colds and flu.

Cultivation

Black Elder is a relatively easy plant to grow, being tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions. It prefers a sunny or lightly shaded position. The plant is propagated from seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to germinate.

Ecology

Black Elder is a host plant for a wide range of insects and is a significant source of nectar for pollinators. The berries are a valuable food resource for many species of birds.

See also

• Elder (genus)
• Sambucus
• Elderberry wine
• Elderflower cordial

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