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Tree Project.

Elderberry – Sambucus.

Elderberry trees have always been very common in hedgerows everywhere and we all know how wildlife and birds in particular love the Elderberry with its small, soft, dark, purple berries, held in large clusters. When they are ripe the birds splatter everywhere with purple spots after they have eaten them. The berries are best not eaten by people though, unless processed which they have started to do commercially to produce a vitamin C supplement instead of using Black Currants.


The White flowers of the Elderberry can readily be used though, to make Wine and Elderflower wine used to be a firm favourite of many country people for centuries. Not so long ago when you visited people living away from the towns, you nearly always used to be offered a glass of Elderflower wine to tickle your palette.

Some people still make use of the Elderberry Tree as a few high class restaurateurs pick their fairly large scented flower heads and have their chefs dip them in batter. After frying the flowers are then served up as a special little side dish.

The Elderberry tree is a native to Europe and as such, propagates readily from berries, is completely hardy to our climate and will grow almost anywhere. However, although it is relatively small growing, it will throw up many suckers and therefore needs attention if it is to be grown in a small garden. A more ornamental variety called Nigra which has lovely, dark red leaves, is sometimes seen for sale at garden centres and nurseries.



 

 

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