Elder

Description

Very fast growing, native, deciduous shrub with leaves which change from green to pale yellow in autumn. Large clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in June followed in autumn by bunches of pendent, shiny, black elderberries which provide an important source of food for birds. Thrives in any aspect and can be grown as a shrub in a wild area or in a native hedge. Both flowers and berries are widely used to make delicious wines, cordials and teas and have many medicinal uses. Elder grows well by the sea. It is rarely eaten by cattle.