Ash or elderberry

jaffacakes

Hi all, I dunno why I'm always confusing these 2 plants. Would this be elderberry instead of Ash? It was about 4 foot last year and I cut to base because I thought was Ash tree. Now it's in leaf which is early for ash.

 I might move it to hedgerow either way. Can Ash be maintained at about 7 to 8 foot? Already have a monster Ash in garden so one is enough 😄

Buttercupdays

Elderberry - ash leaflets are a bit longer and narrower in appearance and mature leaves are longer too, with more leaflets.

BobTheGardener

Agree, Sambucus nigra.  Crush a leaf and it will have a strong and unpleasant odour, whereas Ash leaves have no smell.  I'd have it out asap or you'll regret it in that small area.  Both Elder and Ash seeds seem to always sprout in places where it's difficult to remove them!

Dovefromabove

Agree ✅ 

jaffacakes

Thanks all. I like elderberry and have space in the hedge for it for some more privacy. There is a large one at the back of the garden that must be seeding about. I think it will look well with the large buddleia though and will try maintain it at 7 foot. 🙂

Silver surfer

jaffacakes said:

Hi all, I dunno why I'm always confusing these 2 plants. 

I agree it is not always easy.

 Elder to left. Ash to the right.
Hope this helps.

BobTheGardener

(Comment removed to avoid confusion.)

Silver surfer

(Comment removed to avoid confusion.)

BobTheGardener

It's so easy to do when posting!  I've removed my comment above so folk know your post is fixed.

Silver surfer

Many thanks. Much appreciated!