Elder Sambucus nigra Trom Family: Caprifoliaceae Flowering: June-July. Fruiting: August-September. Deciduous tree or large shrub. Native. Dense heads of sweet-scented creamy-white flowers, followed by purple-black edible berries. Leaves with 5-9 toothed leaflets. Pithy stems. Furrowed, corky bark. Many suckers are produced from base. Height to 10m. Widespread, woods, scrub, hedgerows. Similar: Dwarf Elder, S. ebulus

    
Photograph above: June 2007, Ballingeary, Co.Cork.