Elder

Elder (Sambucus) - Our native Elder is little valued in gardens, yet a well-grown tree, laden with its clusters of creamy-white blossoms or a profusion of purple fruits, is not without effect. Added to this, it will hold its own in any poor, dry soil, the leaves are seldom attacked by insects, and all the kinds bear hard pruning, and are of easy increase from cuttings.

The wild kinds are perhaps less important for our purpose than their garden forms.

Sambucus L.elderberry

Sambucus L. elderberry

common elderberry

common elderberry

Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis (L.) R. Bolli common elderberry

blue elderberry

Sambucus Canadensis - N. America. Was introduced long ago, but until recently has remained almost unknown. In full flower it is handsome and at its best in August, when most flowering shrubs are past. Though less woody than the common species, it attains a height of 6 to 12 feet, with bold, handsome leafage and flattened clusters of creamy-white fragrant flowers, which measure sometimes as much as 18 inches across. A new and beautiful form of this shrub has recently come to light in S. canadensis acutiloba, the leaves of which are cut into segments as fine as any fern-frond. Though perhaps not yet to be had easily, it will give a new charm to our collections of hardy shrubs.

Dane-wort (Sambucus Ebulus) - An herbaceous Elder from N. Africa, China, and Europe, including the British Isles. The popular name refers to the legend that the plant first sprang from the blood of Danish invaders. It is a rough, rank-smelling weed, growing from 2 to 4 feet high, with finely-cut leaves and fine heads of flowers. Its main value is for dry banks in the wild garden or in coverts.

Sambucus Glauca - A little-known kind from western N. America, where it is said to form a tree of 30 to 50 feet. In this country it does not appear likely to be of great value. The, name is derived from the glaucous bloom with which the berries are covered, which is so intense that though really blackish they appear to be bluish-white.

The Common Elder (Sambucus Nigra) - Best known in its variety aurea. Planted in a mass and cut down to the ground annually is a good way of growing it. There are varieties, but all the others are best left out of the garden.

Scarlet Elder (Sambucus Racemosa) - Although not a native of this country, S. racemosa occurs wild throughout much of the northern hemisphere. In appearance the Scarlet Elder somewhat resembles our own species, but is readily known by the flowers expanding much earlier, and the bright red berries, which ripen long in advance of the Common Elder. A cool, moist soil and a sunny spot seem to suit the Scarlet-berried Elder the best.

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