The spelling of the word "golden elder" is phonetically tricky, as there are several different sounds that need to be accounted for. The first syllable, "gold," is pronounced with a short o sound, and the d is silent. The second syllable, "en," is pronounced with a schwa sound. Finally, the word "elder" is pronounced with a long e sound followed by a d sound. The IPA transcription of this word is ˈɡoʊldən ˈɛldər, which accurately represents the different sounds used in the spelling of "golden elder."
Golden elder is a term that commonly refers to a specific plant species within the genus Sambucus, scientifically known as Sambucus racemosa 'Plumosa Aurea.' This plant variety is widely cultivated for its ornamental characteristics, particularly its attractive foliage.
The golden elder is a deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of around 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters). It is characterized by its finely divided, fern-like leaves, which sport a vibrant golden yellow color throughout the growing season. The leaflets are arranged in opposing pairs along the stems, creating a dense and lacy foliage structure. The stunning golden hue of the leaves makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping, adding a bright pop of color to any landscape.
In addition to its striking appearance, golden elder also produces clusters of small, cream-colored flowers during late spring or early summer. These flowers transition into small, glossy red berries that persist into the fall season. While the berries are not typically consumed by humans due to their mildly toxic properties, they are known to attract birds and other wildlife.
Overall, golden elder is cherished for its eye-catching, golden yellow foliage and its ability to add visual interest to various outdoor settings. It is commonly grown in gardens, parks, and other landscaping projects for its aesthetic value and its contribution to biodiversity.