244 THE BOOK OF FORESTRY 
SWEET ELDER 
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 nfence 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 ot a pea, 
dark purple when ripe, borne in 
clusters. Pleasant taste. 
RANGE 
Found in thickets throughout the 
Northern States. 
