Elderberries

Elderberries on Elder, Sambucus nigra, on the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on 14 August 2011.

This is a common and fast-growing shrub that is often seen in urban areas as well as the countryside. It can be cut down in one year and be five feet high and flowering again the next. The creamy flowers and these deep purple, almost black berries are both used to make wine. Elderflower wine is particularly light and refreshing, and in recent years the flowers have also been used to flavour soft (non-alcoholic) drinks, which I particularly like.