European elder (Sambucus nigra and racemosa)
Young plants about 10 - 20 cm high, grown in 7 cm pots.
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Large Shrubs
Native
S. nigra Low stock
£6.00
S. racemosa Sold out
£6.50
There are two species of native elderberries, the common black-berried type, S. nigra and less well known is the red-berried elder S. racemosa.
Everybody is familiar with the elder. A small tree or large shrub which can sometimes reach up to 4 m though usually smaller. Easy to grow in any shady spot and always a picture with its frothy white flowers and dark purple berries, both of which are much used for wine making.
The red-berried elder
as a plant is similar if shrubbier and more at home in the northern part of the country, though we find it does well for us in West Wales. Decorative, with racemes of creamy flowers in early summer which, along with the berries (ripe mid-summer) are every bit as useful as the black with less astringency.
Even if you can’t find a use for them, plant one by your apple trees and perhaps the birds will eat them instead.
We also have some interesting elder species from the US which would extend your wine and cordial making season!