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Elder

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

This common tree of hedgerows, woods, chalk downs and waste ground, elder was once regarded as one of the most magically powerful of all plants

Latin name Sambucus nigra
Family name Honeysuckle
Latin family nameCaprifoliaceae
What type of tree is it? Native Deciduous
Average height Up to 10m
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?Found everywhere except on sands. Prefers rich fertilised soils
Tree lore and folkloreIf you burned elder wood you see the devil, but if you grew an elder tree beside your house it was said to keep the devil at bay. It could apparently charm away warts and vermin. Bunches of elder leaves were hung up in cowsheds or dairies to ward off flies. Children used the hollowed-out stems as pea-shooters

You will receive a cell grown sapling, ranging from 20cm-40cm in height 

More information available at www.British-Trees.com

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