Elder Hedging Plant (Sambucus Nigra)

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a fast growing native tree, well known as a hedging plant and valued for its characteristic white blossom, which is popular for making cordials and provides a haven for insects such as moths, ladybirds and aphids. Tolerant of most soil types, Elder is most often found near farms, where it favours nitrogen rich, chalky and coastal soils close to sites of organic waste. Small berries follow the blossom, providing food for birds and a popular ingredient for home winemaking. Growing at a rate of up to 60cm a year, Elder forms a dense hedge quickly, reaching around 5 metres when trimmed, or up to 15 metres as an unmanaged specimen.

As a hedge plant, Elder establishes quickly and tolerates most positions with reasonable sunlight, making it a practical choice for fast, low maintenance hedging.

Elder's dense growth and abundant blossom and berries give it strong value for garden wildlife, supporting insects in spring and birds through summer and autumn.