Sambucus nigra - Elderberry

(Elderberry): M, N, P, *, Jun-Jul

NATIVE DECIDUOUS SHRUB growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft). Prefers moist soil, especially hedgerows, with roots in shade. Hardy to zone 5. It is in flower from June to July, and the fruit ripens from August to September. A major source of pollen (and some nectar), it yields 20-60 pounds of honey per acre, and 600-800 pounds of pollen. Large heads of creamy-white, fragrant flowers with excellent pollen which honeybees love, especially useful for bees in June when there can be a dearth. The dark blue/purple berries are only eaten when fully ripe and cooked (mildly poisonous in their unripe state) and also make syrups (used medicinally to reduce fevers and flu symptoms) and jams, though it is prudent to remove the seeds. All green parts of the plant are poisonous. In Scandinavia and Germany, soup made from the elder berry (the German Fliederbeersuppe) is a traditional mean. Young leaves are sought out by slugs. PLANTS 1 litre plant (2 yr old plant) £4.00