Season Window
15 Aug – 15 OctHedgerows, lane edges, woodland margins and scrub
Late summer to autumn fruit
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
The elder's second season belongs to dark fruit and careful kitchen preparation.
Harvest
How we meet this plant
Pick only fully ripe clusters from confidently identified trees, leaving plenty for birds.
Preparation
At the kitchen table
Ripe berries are traditionally cooked and strained for syrups and preserves; never use raw or unripe fruit.
Community Use
Why we teach it
Pairs with elderflower to show how one tree supports different seasonal learning.
Safety
Raw or unripe elderberries, leaves and stems can cause illness. Cook ripe berries thoroughly and remove stems and seeds.