Elder

Family Caprifoliaceae. Name: derives from the Greek 'sambuce' - a type of musical instrument made from its shoots.

Description: includes about 40 species occurring in temperate and subtropical regions of both hemispheres, except Central and Southern Africa.

Shrubs or small trees with odd-pinnate, opposite leaves and berry-like fruits. Require rich, moist soil, are shade-tolerant, fast-growing, tolerate pruning well, and are among the species most effective at reducing urban noise levels. Propagated by sowing seeds in autumn or spring after four months of stratification, by hardwood and green cuttings, and by layering. Ornamental forms are propagated only vegetatively. Almost all elder species require strong, short pruning, after which (as after frost damage) they regenerate well due to their high sprouting ability. Recommended as understory, for group and solitary plantings, and for screening unsightly areas.