Sambucus

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

umbels.



S. NIGRA.--Common Elder. Bourtry, or Bour tree. Although one of ou

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

serratifolia.



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.