SoS[22] - Elder

Common Elder [Sambucus nigra] - normally classed as a weed species in hedgerows. It grows very quickly, but is too often weak to be stock-proof, nor is it really long-lived.

It does, however, produce flowers and berries in great profusion, so it is also know as Elderberry. The flowers make a refreshing cordial and the black berries make a passable red wine [which needs to be matured, otherwise it is very harsh].

I thought that this particular specimen was dead - as the bark was dropping off in places - and cut it back, intending to chop it down ... it wasn't, as this new growth shows !