Elder Hedging – Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra, widely known as the Elder or Elderberry, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to the UK. Renowned for its medicinal and culinary uses, the Elder tree presents an attractive option for hedging due to its rapid growth, wildlife attraction, and beautiful foliage and flowers.

Description and Characteristics

The Elder is recognized for its compound leaves, large clusters of fragrant white or cream flowers, and small, glossy, purple-black berries. Its lush foliage, summer blossoms, and autumn fruit create a striking visual interest in any garden, setting it apart from typical English hedging plants.

As a hedging plant, Elder generally grows to 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) in height if regularly pruned. When left to grow as a tree, it can reach up to 10-15 metres (30-50 feet). Its growth rate is impressive, typically averaging 60-90cm (24-36 inches) per year. The lifespan of an Elder tree, however, is relatively short for a tree, often not exceeding 60 years.

Flowering, Berries, and Reproduction

The Elder tree produces an abundance of sweet-scented, creamy-white flowers in large, flat clusters in early summer. These flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive structures. They’re primarily insect-pollinated, attracting a wide variety of pollinators.

Following pollination, these flowers give way to small, dark purple berries by late summer. These berries each contain 3-5 seeds and are mainly dispersed by birds, which eat them and subsequently excrete the seeds.

Benefits to Wildlife

The Elder tree is beneficial to a wide range of wildlife. Its flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators, while its berries provide a valuable food source for birds and small mammals in late summer and autumn. Furthermore, the tree’s hollow stems are used by various insects for shelter.

Ideal for British Gardens

Elder hedging can be a striking addition to any British garden. Its rapid growth rate makes it an excellent choice for creating a mature hedge quickly. The tree’s showy flowers and berries add seasonal interest, and its leaves can create a dense screen, providing privacy and shelter from the wind.

The Elder is also a fabulous addition to a wildlife garden, attracting a host of pollinators and providing food for birds and mammals. Plus, its flowers and berries can be harvested to make elderflower cordials, wines, or elderberry jams and jellies, giving this plant a delightful culinary use.

Distribution in the UK

The Elder is a widespread species across the UK and can be found growing in woods, hedgerows, scrub, and wasteland. It thrives on nitrogen-rich, well-drained soils and can often be found near farms and gardens.

In summary, Elder hedging is not only a practical choice for quick, dense hedging but also brings a range of wildlife benefits and seasonal interest to a garden. Whether you desire a wildlife-friendly garden, a quick privacy screen, or resources for homemade concoctions, the Elder tree is an excellent choice.