1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens vi. lxxx. 760 Of Marris Elder, Ople, or Dwarffe Plane tree...This plant is called..in Latine, Sambucus palustris, and Sambucus aquatica, that is to saye, Marrishe Elder, or Water Elder, bycause of the flowers and fructe.
1597 J. Gerard iii. 1237 The water Elder is called..in English Marish Elder, [etc.].