Elder

What does Elder look like?

Elder is a bush or small tree that can reach up to 15 meters tall, though it often stays around 6 meters. It has grey bark that becomes rough with age, and its leaves are divided into several toothed leaflets. In late spring to early summer, it produces wide, flat clusters of small, creamy white flowers with a strong scent. These are followed in autumn by drooping bunches of glossy, dark purple to almost black berries, each about the size of a pea.

Where does Elder come from?

Elder grows wild across much of Europe, stretching east to Turkey and the Middle East, and is common in the British Isles. It thrives in open, nutrient-rich places like woodland edges, hedgerows, and disturbed ground, but avoids dry or salty soils. The name 'nigra' refers to the dark color of its berries, while the English word 'elder' comes from an old term for fire, as the hollow stems were once used to blow air into flames.

When and how Elder blooms

Elder flowers appear from late spring into summer, forming large, flat-topped heads. The plant grows best in sunny or partly shaded spots with moist, rich soil, but tolerates a range of conditions. Gardeners usually grow it from cuttings taken from young shoots. Some varieties are chosen for their unusual leaf colors, such as deep purple or gold, and are grown for decoration as well as for their flowers and fruit.

How Elder is used

People use elder flowers to make cordials, syrups, and sparkling drinks, especially in Europe. The berries, once cooked, go into jams, jellies, sauces, and wine. In some countries, the flowers are battered and fried as fritters, or used to flavor liqueurs. The plant also has a history of use in traditional medicine, mainly for colds, though there is little scientific proof for these effects. All green parts, as well as raw berries and seeds, are toxic and must be prepared properly before eating.

Kinds of Elder

Gardeners have developed several forms of elder for their decorative leaves or flowers. Some have finely cut leaves, while others display dark maroon or nearly black foliage and pale pink blooms. Notable cultivars include 'Black Lace' and 'Gerda', both valued for their striking appearance and awarded by horticultural societies.

What Elder means

Elder has a long history in European food and drink, with elderflower cordials and berry wines being traditional in many regions. The plant is also important for wildlife, providing food for birds and mammals. While widely used in home remedies, elder is recognized for its potential toxicity, and official guidelines stress that only properly prepared parts should be consumed.

Where Elder is used and seen

Agdal GardensHistoric walled orchards and gardens south of Marrakech's old cityOrto Botanico dell'Università di BolognaA historic university botanical garden in Bologna, Italy

Questions people ask about Elder

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva'Royal Horticultural Society, Article
• USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Sambucus nigra on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data