SAMBUCUS CALIFORNICA.--Californian Elder. A rare species as yet, but one
that from its elegant growth and duration of flowers is sure, when
better known, to become widely distributed.
S. GLAUCA has its herbaceous parts covered with a thick pubescence;
leaves pubescent on both sides, and with yellow flowers produced in
S. NIGRA.--Common Elder. Bourtry, or Bour tree. Although one of our
commonest native trees, the Elder must rank amongst the most ornamental
if only for its large compound cymes of white or yellowish-white
flowers, and ample bunches of shining black berries. There are, however,
several varieties that should be largely cultivated, such as S. nigra
foliis aureis (Golden Elder), S. nigra fructu albo (White Fruited), S.
nigra laciniata (Cut-leaved Elder), S. nigra argentea (Silver-leaved
Elder), S. nigra rotundifolia (Round-leaved Elder), the names of which
will be sufficient for the purposes of recognition.
S. RACEMOSA.--Scarlet-berried Elder. South Europe and Siberia, 1596.
This is almost a counterpart of our native species, but instead of black
the berries are brilliant scarlet. It is a highly ornamental species,
but it is rather exacting, requiring for its perfect growth a cool and
moist situation. Of this there is a cut-leaved, form, named S. racemosa
S. ROSAEFLORA is said to be a seedling from S. glauca, but differs in
many important points from the parent. It has smooth shoots and
branches, ovate-acuminate leaves that are downy beneath, and flowers
rose-coloured without and white within. They are produced in short,
spike-like clusters, and are almost destitute of smell. The reddish
rings at the insertion of the leaves is another distinguishing feature.
For freedom of growth in almost every class of soil, and readiness with
which they may be increased, the more showy kinds of Elder are well
worthy of attention.
Other S Tree Species