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- The elderberry tree (Sambucus) is also commonly referred to as the elder. It is a flowering plant in the Adoxaceae family. It can be found growing in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Elderberry grows best in areas of high nitrogen levels. They do well in organic compost.
- It will, however, grow in nearly any type of soil conditions as long as it gets partial to full sun. It is a fast-growing plant that is commonly used for hedge. Elderberries are a food source for birds in northern California. Elder has been used medicinally for decades.
- In Chinese medicine, it has been crushed into wine and tea and used for rheumatism and traumatic injury. Uncooked berries from this plant are poisonous, but when cooked, they can be consumed by humans.
- The leaves, stems, twigs, and roots are also toxic if ingested. Raw elderberries are comprised of 18% carbohydrates, 80% water, and less than 1% of protein and fat. They contain a high content of vitamin C. Elderberry is commonly used in common day vitamin forms to help treat the flu, constipation, colds, and some autoimmune diseases.
- It can be found in health food stores in capsule or tea form. Elderberry produces a large hedge, but it is also planted to attract butterflies and bees due to flowers. The flowers bloom a bright white in the late spring and then turn into a dark, almost black, berry by late summer or early fall. When planting an elderberry tree, it is best to plant two near each other for cross-pollination.
