
Sambucus (Elders)
The Sambucus genus, commonly known as elders, supports UK wildlife in multiple ways. Its creamy white flower clusters attract pollinators like bees and hoverflies. The dark berries provide a vital food source for birds, including blackbirds and thrushes, during autumn and winter.
Elders thrive in hedgerows and woodland edges, offering shelter for small mammals and nesting sites for birds. Sambucus nigra, the native UK species, grows quickly and tolerates a range of soils. Planting elders creates a wildlife-friendly garden while requiring minimal maintenance.