Discover the Secrets of the Elder Tree
Elder is a common UK hedgerow and woodland-edge tree that is easy for Scouts to recognise. In early summer, it produces clusters of small white flowers, followed later by bunches of dark purple-black berries.
For centuries, Elder has been part of British folklore and has been valued for its traditional food, craft and bushcraft uses. It is a great tree for Scouts to learn about when exploring the countryside.
Identifying the Elder Tree
🌿 How to Identify Elder
Leaves:
Elder has compound leaves, usually made up of 5–7 oval leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stalk, with one leaflet at the end. The leaflets have serrated edges.
Flowers:
Look for large, flat-topped clusters of small creamy-white flowers, usually appearing from May to July. They have a distinctive sweet fragrance.
Berries:
After flowering, elder produces clusters of small dark purple to almost black berries. They hang downwards when ripe.
Bark and stems:
Young stems are green and relatively soft. Older branches develop grey-brown bark with a rougher appearance.
Shape:
Elder is often a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, commonly found in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrub and around disturbed ground.
The Enchanting Elder: History and Uses
The Elder tree, known scientifically as Sambucus nigra, holds a special place in both folklore and practical bushcraft. Revered for its mystical associations and feared by the devil, it has been a favorite among foragers for centuries. This tree is not only a symbol of ancient traditions but also a valuable resource for modern bushcraft enthusiasts. From its delicate white flowers to its dark, rich berries, every part of the Elder has a story to tell and a use to offer. Its wood has been traditionally used for crafting, while its flowers and berries have culinary applications, provided they are correctly identified and prepared.
Bushcraft Uses of Elder
🪵 Bushcraft Uses of Elder
Elder has several traditional uses that make it an interesting tree for Scouts studying bushcraft.
🔥 Fire Lighting
The dead, dry wood can be used as tinder material when properly prepared. The soft, lightweight wood can also be useful for learning about different wood types and how they behave when dry.
🪈 Natural Crafts
Elder branches have a soft, easily removed pith inside. Traditionally, hollowed elder stems have been used for simple whistles, peashooters and small natural craft projects.
Only use suitable fallen material or follow your activity site's rules rather than damaging living trees.
🪵 Woodcraft
Elder wood is relatively soft and lightweight, making it useful for simple craft projects and demonstrations of traditional woodworking techniques.
🌱 Foraging Knowledge
Elder is an excellent tree for Scouts learning plant identification and responsible foraging. Elderflowers and fully cooked elderberries have traditional culinary uses, but correct identification is essential.
Never eat wild plants or berries unless you have positively identified them and know they are safe to consume.
🏕️ Elder in Bushcraft
Elder is a great tree for Scouts because one plant provides opportunities to learn about tree identification, folklore, natural crafts, wood properties and responsible foraging.
It is also a good reminder that bushcraft is not just about using natural materials—it is about understanding and respecting the woodland around us.
⚠️ Scout Safety
- Never eat berries or other plant material without expert supervision and positive identification.
- Elder berries should not be eaten raw; traditional preparations involve cooking.
- Avoid using living trees for craft materials where possible.
- Check landowner and activity-site rules before collecting natural materials.
- Wash your hands after handling unknown plants.
- Use knives and other bushcraft tools only under appropriate supervision and following your group's safety procedures.
Scout Challenge: Next time you're outdoors, see if you can identify an elder tree from its leaves, flowers, berries and bark—and explain one traditional bushcraft use.
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Location: Essex