Sambucus nigra, L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1976, Flora Europaea. Volume 4. Plantaginaceae to Compositae (and Rubiaceae), Cambridge University Press : 44

2. S. nigra L. , Sp. Pl. 269 (1753).

Shrub or small tree up to 10 m, with brownish-grey, sulcate, corky bark and whitish pith. Stems often with vigorous, erect shoots from base; branches often arching. Leaflets 5-7(-9), 4-5—12(—18) x 2-6(-10) cm, ovate, ovate-lanceolate or ovate-elliptical, acuminate, serrate, sparsely pubescent beneath. Stipules absent or very small, subulate. Inflorescence 10-24 cm in diameter, corymbose, with (4-)5 primary rays. Corolla white. Anthers yellowish-white. Fruit globose, black (very rarely red). 2/2 = 36. Most of Europe except the extreme north. All except BI Cr Fa Is Rs (N) Sb, but only naturalized in Fe No Su.

Although undoubtedly native in damp woods over a large part of Europe, this species has been widely cultivated for its fruits and in some districts is seen only near houses. Its precise limits as a native are difficult to establish.