unknown woodland plant

We saw this while out walking in the woods today. There were quite a few of them but all still not open, so no flower pic. They were very tall, between 150 & 200 cm. Does anyone know what it is please?

 

Hi Kedi, the leaves look like Rosebay Willowherb but I can't be sure until it flowers.

 

Hi. I agree, the leaves looklike Rosebay Willowherb, which can grow v tall, but the flower buds don't look the same. Hmmm,

 

Thanks, if possible we'll try to get back out that way next week so I can get another pic of it in bloom. However, calender is very full so am not promising anything.

 

Hi, K-G!
I'm pretty sure it's not willowherb, but after that - I'm not sure. Could be Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus) which is a tall and hefty plant with a rather 'orrid smell - but the leaves don't look quite toothed enough, and they're rather a pale green. There's some dwarf elder at the far end of the top field here. I'll try and nip down for a look tomorrow! And I'll keep digging in the library!!

Mean while, you might like to have a look:

http://www.ukwildflowers.com/Web_pages/sambucus_ebulus_dwarf_elder.htm

 

Hi Hyla, it could very well be, have a look at this please -

http://www.flogaus-faust.de/e/sambebul.htm

Although the leaves on mine seem to be all coming directly from the stem.

 

Agreed! That's what made me uncertain - they look like single leaves, too, not several coming from a central stalk. Very sambucus-like, though, so I'll try to follow that up...

Bis morgen! Tschuss!