without black

A Dangerous Lookalike of Black Elder Grows Here Too and Is Easily Confused

Black elder (Sambucus nigra) is a favourite for cordials and home processing, but it has a toxic lookalike: dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus). Learn the key differences—especially the stem type and the way the fruit clusters hang—so you don’t pick the wrong plant.

5 min read

Syrup from the flowers, jam from the berries. Black elder supports you all year round

Black elder is a hardy, fast-growing shrub that rewards you with fragrant spring flowers and richly coloured berries later in the season. With the right siting and a simple pruning routine, it’s an easy garden staple for syrups, cordials and preserves.

5 min read