Common Elder
- Species:
Sambucus nigra
- Family: Caprfoliaceae
- Origin: Europe, W. Asia N. Africa
- Common Name: Elder.
- Mature Height: - m.
The
Common Elder of Europe, North Africa and west Asia
is often called the Bour tree in Scotland. It belongs to the
honeysuckle family - Caprifoliaceae. This is another of the trees
widely planted to ward off evil spirits and also with a wide history of
medicinal properties. It was important in Harris tweed production for
all parts of the plant gave a different coloured dye from yellow and
green to blue, purple, grey and black. The flowers as well as the
berries are made into wines and cordials. The fruit is important for
wild life.
