244 



THE BOOK OF FORESTRY 



SWEET ELDEE 



One of the most common shrubs throughout its range. 

 From its fruit a beverage is made ; the pith of its hollow 

 stems is used in electrical experiments while the stems 

 themselves furnish the popguns for the boys far from 

 the toy shop. 



SWEET ELDER 



Sambuccus canadensis 



FORM 



A spreading shrub 5'-15' high com- 

 monly found in thickets by the 

 roadsides or in fence corners. Stems 

 filled with pith, and swollen at the 

 joints. 



LEAVES 



Compound, with 5-11 leaflets. Dark 

 green and smooth above, pale green 

 beneath. 



FLOWERS 



Cream white in color, borne in large 

 flat topped cluster 5"-8" across. 

 Bloom June to August. 



FRUIT 



Berry-like about the size of a pea, 

 dark purple when ripe, borne in 

 clusters. Pleasant taste. 



RANGE 



Found in thickets throughout the 

 Northern States. 



