Farnham Park |  Farnham Park plant list (text) |  Farnham Park flower list (pictures)

Elder Honeysuckle family
Sambucus nigra Caprifoliaceae

Elders have large white rosettes of small white flowers in late spring, which can be used to make an elderflower cordial. In autumn they have black juicy berries, used to make elderberry wine. The stems are hollow with a little pith, which can be scooped out to make pea-shooters.

Elder flowers Elderberries

Elder bush Elder flowers

Elder stem with pith Elder leaves
Cross-section of stem, showing pith Mature leaves

Breaking leaves Early leaves Early flowers and leaves
Leaves just breaking Early leaves Early flowers and leaves


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Farnham Park |  Farnham Park plant list (text) |  Farnham Park flower list (pictures)