Elder trees – Elderflower

Elder is a hard to kill prolific shrub

Elder is an ancient British favourite amongst tree producing wonderful scented flowers for elderflower cordial and berries for elderberry wine. However, in NZ it is incredibly prolific and once planted spreads everywhere. And because it is incredibly prolific in growth it is really tough to kill when it has exceeded it's desired potential in your garden.

Elder is very easy to identify when it’s in flower

Elder tree flower — Elderflower from the Elder Tree

Or in fruit

The bark is very obvious to identify

Use both Bamboo Buster Weed Gel and Cut’n’Paste MetGel Weed Gel together after cutting the tree down, pasting immediately after cutting and pasting the cut surface and some surrounding bark. Chip and paste any exposed roots. Retreat any regrowth and any new shoots that form on the cut stump as soon as they appear.

Don’t forget though that Elder makes wonderful cordial and jam if kept under tight control.