# Elder

## Sambucus nigra L.

NATURE | deciduous tree
LEAF | composed: oddly pinnate
| Leaf edge: saw-toothed
Leaf shape: egg-shaped
Nervation: feather-veined
FRUIT | drupe (no berry!)
INFLORESCENCE | in a corymb

Medical value: All green parts of the plant are poisonous! The berries are made into elderberry syrup and elderberry wine. They are ancient treatments for coughs, still used today. The fruit is rich in vitamin C.
Use: the fruit can be used for jam and alcoholic beverages

Legend:

Bloom. All months in which we can find blooming specimens. Regional differences may occur.
Harvest Time. All months in which we can find ripe fruits on trees. Unripe fruit can be found earlier on trees and shrubs. Sometimes even throughout the year, as happens with trees such as pines, this fruit ripens over several years.
Both flowers and ripe fruit may occur at the same time in some months.