identifying elderflowers ?

[veggiechicken]

Definitely not Elderflower. Probably Cow Parsley.

[chrisdb]

Nx4737, elder is a large shrub or tree with a woody stem and branches. The flowers are in very large clusters witout much space between them. What you've got is small and herbaceous with small flower clusters and therefore not elder.

[veggiechicken]

hi there are no thorns on the plant

hi all thanks for the replys ,ive been down with a freind and he says its pyracantha so a false alarm there but cheers for the replys

The most common pyracantha has vicious spines - hence its other name - Firethorn. Just saying

[nx4737]

Nx4737, elder is a large shrub or tree with a woody stem and branches. The flowers are in very large clusters witout much space between them. What you've got is small and herbaceous with small flower clusters and therefore not elder.

Best not pick it then! Lol

[veggiechicken]

I think you have Cow parsley but it is very similar to hemlock which can be deadly.
Conium maculatum, poison hemlock - THE POISON GARDEN website
Check, check and double check before you use any wild plants for food.

[the big lebowski]

hi nx3747, i think you have cow parsley too,cheers

[Ben1030]

I had the same trouble when I first decided to make elderflower wine. Once you've identified one you will realise how abundant and easy to distinguish elder trees are.

Look for bark like this:

The leaves and stem have an unmistakeable smell.

Make sure to go back in a few months for the elderberries!