Everything that is elderflower and everything that is not!
/At this time of year Elderflower is abundant in and around London. If you are outside of the city it’s coming to you soon! However if you are new to foraging this lovely flower then it is easy to get mixed up with the abundance of other creamy frothy flowers that are also blooming. Many of which are not edible and are in fact poisonous. Therefore it’s good to be really certain that you are picking the right thing. To help here are some pictures of elderflower and also a load of other flowers that are not elderflower. If you would like to have a go at making cordial check out Amy’s recipe. Happy picking!
Elderflower // Sambucus nigra
Identifying Tips
Sweet smelling creamy flowers
Flowers will leave a bright yellow pollen on your hands when you handle them
Very distinct leaf structure. Oval shaped pointy leaves.
Wood can be gnarled and also have bright green shoots of new growth
Could be a small shrub or large established tree
The following pictures are all plants that are NOT elderflower:
