In the foreground is Elder 'Black Beauty'. This is rather sparse in its production of berries for birds, the similar 'Guincho Purple' is better in that respect. They are forms of our native wild Elder, Sambucus nigra. A number of purple-leaved elders are now available, including ones with dissected leaves, which are a far better choice for the wildlife-friendly garden than purple leaved Japanese Maples. Cultivars of the common Elder selected for larger, fragrant flowerheads, for making drinks, or with larger berries, for making wine and preserves, are also available. The berries are too sour to be eaten raw.

© Marc Carlton 2010