Sambucus 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

1. Sambucus L. 3

Small trees, shrubs or herbs. Stems with large pith. Leaves pinnate, deciduous, stipulate or exstipulate. Flowers (3-)5- merous, small, actinomorphic, in cymose corymbs or panicles. Calyx 5-lobed. Corolla rotate. Stamens 5. Stigma sessile, 3- to 5-lobed. Ovary 3- to 5-locular. Fruit a drupe with 3-5 compressed, cartilaginous pyrenes.

1 Herb; stipules conspicuous 1. ebulus 1 Shrub or small tree; stipules absent or very small

2 Inflorescence corymbose;fruitusuallyblack; pithwhitish2. nigra 2 Inflorescence paniculate; fruit red; pith reddish-brown 3. racemosa