THE ELDER

Synonyms for Elder: Black Elder, Common Elder, Pipe Tree, Bore Tree, Bour Tree, Boor Tree, Bountry, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Elder, German Elder
Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra L.
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)

Description:

Elder is most conspicuous from May to July, when it spreads out its white, parasol-shaped cymes, and in the autumn when our eyes are drawn to its juicy berries with their purplish-black shine. The branches are weighed down by the clusters of drooping berries which often fall to the ground and leave telltale black marks. During the rest of the year this bush or tree, which can grow to a height of between 10 and 25 feet, simply blends in with the general green. At these times its warty, unpleasant smelling bark is its most distinguishing feature. It is also easily identified by breaking off a twig: the inside is not woody but filled with a soft pith.