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Elder

This common tree of hedgerows, woods, chalk downs and waste ground, elder was once regarded as one of the most magically powerful of all plants.

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as
  • Tromán (Irish)
  • Boortree
  • Boontree
  • Borewood
  • Battery
  • Dog tree
  • Ellern
  • Fairy tree
Generic nameElder
Latin nameSambucus nigra
Family nameHoneysuckle
Latin family nameCaprifoliaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average heightUp to 10m high

Leaf

DescriptionUsually 5-7 leaflets arranged in opposite pairs with a single leaf at the end. The leaf edges are serrated or toothed
ShapeCompound
ColourDull green
Leaf budThe purplish buds have spiky scales which likens them to a pineapple in shape
Leaf stalkNo stalk
Leaf arrangementOpposite

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flowerClustered/grouped flowers
Flowering seasonEarly summer
Tree/flower sexBoth sexes
Fruit colourBlack
Fruit seasonEarly autumn
Type of seed bodyBerry
Seeds dispersed by
  • Wildlife

Bark and twig

Bark descriptionCriss-crossed with corky ridges and creamy grey in colour
Twig DescriptionCreamy grey in colour with raised warts

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?Native
Where is its natural range?Britain and Ireland
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?Found everywhere except on sands. Prefers rich fertilised soils
What is its British conservation status?Common

Additional information

Is any part of the tree poisonous?The berries are poisonous eaten raw and the leaves are poisonous too
Human uses of tree and timberElder has a great deal of human uses over history, mostly for food and drink. Elderflower cordial and 'champagne' is made from the flowers which can also be dipped in batter and fried as 'fritters'. The berries are used to make rich wine. Elderflowers are also used to make a skin cleanser and eye lotion. There is also some reference to elder being used for a hedging plant. The timber of elder is somewhat contradictory- the heartwood and rootstock is a beautiful wood that looks like ebony whilst branches are light and filled with pith. This hollow characteristic has been advantageous for some though as a perfect nature made pea shooter for children! It is also thought that the name elder comes the Anglo-saxon 'aeld' meaning fire because the hollow stems could be used to blow air into the centre of a fire like bellows. The leaves also had a use- it is said that a bunch of leaves will keep flies away from us or livestock due to their pungent smell.
Tree lore and folkloreThere are many and contradictory folklore and magical references to elder. It was thought that if you burned elder wood you would see the devil but if you planted one by your house it would keep the devil away. Elder's habit of growing in disused areas, rubbish tips and cemeteries has also earned it veneration and distaste. In the middle ages it was also claimed to be the tree on which Judas hung himself adding more layers of complexity to perceptions of the tree.

Elder - shrubby

Elder leaves, flowers and fruit

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

Collins Tree Guide