Sambucus nigra Seeds | Elder
LATIN NAME: Sambucus nigra
COMMON NAME: Elder
Plant Profile
Elder (Sambucus nigra) grows as a generous, easy, fast-growing shrub. Elder is generous, old-fashioned, berry-bearing shrub or small tree of hedgerows and waysides of old world, and its dark, glossy berries and fragrant white flower heads have been used by country people for a very long time. Flowers and berries both have their uses in the kitchen. It is a generous, easy, fast-growing shrub of sunny or partly shaded ground. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Sambucus nigra sits in the Sambucus group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Elder has a rich and well-documented place in plant science, and both flowers and dark berries have been studied for a long time. Nothing exotic is required: standard seed-sowing practice, done carefully, is enough.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Elder earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Elder is grown for flowers and berries, and both have their uses in the kitchen. Fragrant, cream-white flower heads are made into fine, old-fashioned cordials and fritters, and dark, glossy berries are cooked into jams, jellies, wines and the syrups. Shrub is also a fine, fast, easy addition to wildlife garden, with flowers for bees and berries for the birds. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Elderberry is the modern cold-season classic: its anthocyanin-rich syrup has human trials for shortening flu-like illness, and elderflower cordial and tea remain Europe’s traditional fever comfort; always cook the berries, as raw ones upset stomachs.
Growing from Seed
Elder grows readily from seed. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Given the right start, Elder is a long-term garden companion. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
Related Reading
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