Sambucus nigra - Elder

Taxonomy

Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Dipsacales

Family: Caprifoliaceae

The elder is a fragile tree, often growing as a bush. Its hollow stems tend to fracture unless it grows in a very sheltered spot. The tree shown here is growing against a line of ancient beech trees. This is the tree on which we are told that Judas hanged himself.

The flowers are used to make cordial and white wine. The leaves, however, are poisonous.

Elder flowers

The ripe berries, popular with birds, are used to make preserves and as the basis of a red wine.

Elder berries