Elder

Sambucus nigra

Must cookApr–OctHedgerow

Hedgerow, woodland edge, disturbed ground

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All Identification Points

Compound leaves 5–7 leaflets, serrated, strong unpleasant smell

Flat-topped corymb of tiny cream flowers in June

Heavy drooping clusters of small black berries from August

Grey-brown warty bark on older stems

Pithy hollow stems — do not confuse with other hollow-stemmed plants

Harvest Notes

Flowers: pick on dry sunny mornings. Berries: must cook — raw berries cause nausea. Never eat any other part.

Uses

Elderflower cordial, fritters, champagne; elderberry syrup, wine, jam.

Equipment Needed

Scissors, bags, kitchen strainer.

Storage

Flowers: use same day or dry. Berries: freeze or process within 2 days.

Lookalikes

Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus) — toxic, grows from ground, leaves smell fouler. Water Hemlock (Cicuta virosa) — DEADLY, in wetlands, hollow ribbed stems — always double-check hollow-stemmed plants near water.

Relative Nutrition

Protein

Vitamin C

Iron

Where to Find It

Blaise Castle estate boundaries and Avon Gorge footpath margins have mature elder.

Blaise CastleWarmley Forest ParkAshton Court EstateFailand

Personal foraging permitted under the Theft Act 1968. Never uproot plants without landowner permission. Always use multiple identification methods before consuming any wild food.

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