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European Box Elder Tree, Elderberry, Sambucus

The medicinal herb European Elder as an alternative herbal remedy for skin conditions - European elder is a tree native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, and it also grows in the United States. There are several different types of elder, such as American elder, but European elder is the type most often used as a supplement.Common Names--European elder, black elder, elder, elderberry, elder flower, sambucus

Latin Names--Sambucus nigra

The leaves are pinnate with 5–9 leaflets (rarely 3 or 11). Each leaf is 5–30 cm (2.0–11.8 in) long, and the leaflets have serrated margins. They bear large clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers in late spring; these are followed by clusters of small black, blue-black, or red berries (rarely yellow or white).

European Elder Tree Berries

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

European Elder Tree Flowers

Elderberry Trees

**Helpful Informational Links**
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Hoodia Kalahari Bushmen have traditionally eaten hoodia stems to reduce their hunger and thirst during long hunts. Alternative way to loose weight!
Immune System Supplements Astragalus root is used to support and enhance the immune system. Astragalus has also been used for heart disease. Herbal Alternative Health

What European Box Elder Tree or Elderberry, Sambucus Is Used For

Parts of the elder tree--such as the berries and flowers--have long been used for pain, swelling, infections, coughs, and skin conditions. *Today, elderberry and elder flower are used for flu, colds, fevers, constipation, and sinus infections.

How European Box Elder Tree, Elderberry Sambucus Is Used

The dried flowers (elder flower) and the cooked blue/black berries (elderberry) of the European elder tree are used in teas, liquid extracts, and capsules.

What the Science Says about European Box Elder Tree or Elderberry, Sambucus

Although some small studies show that elderberry may relieve flu symptoms, the evidence is not strong enough to support this use of the berry. *A few studies have suggested that a product containing elder flower and other herbs can help treat sinus infections when used with antibiotics, but further research is needed to confirm any benefit.
No reliable information is available on the effectiveness of elderberry and elder flower for other uses.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), elderberry may help ease pain, swelling, infection, cough, skin conditions, flu, cold, fever, constipation and sinus infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) says there are few side effects associated with short-term use of elderberry. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate elderberry; the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends consulting a physician prior to taking elderberry.

Side Effects and Cautions of European Box Elder Tree, Elderberry, Sambucus

Uncooked or unripe elderberries are toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea. Only the blue/black berries of elder are edible. *Because of elder flower's possible diuretic effects, use caution if taking it with drugs that increase urination.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Folklore, Superstition, Legends and tales about magic referring to the Elder Tree, Sambucus

Source verbatim from: www.answers.com

Many superstitions and legends are associated with the elder tree and shrub (genus Sambucus). In some cultures, it is identified with the tree on which Judas hanged himself as well as with the wood used for the Cross. In some parts of Scotland and Wales, it was believed that the dwarf elder grew only on ground that had been soaked in blood. Elder was not used for a child's cradle because it could cause the child to pine or be harried by fairies. In Germany it was considered unlucky to bring an elder branch into a house, because it might also bring ghosts, or, in England, the Devil himself.

However, elder was also believed to protect against evil, and it was thought that wherever it grew witches were powerless. In England gardens were sometimes protected by having elder trees planted at the entrance, or in hedges around the garden. In some parts of the United States, an elder stick was burned on the fire at Christmas Eve to reveal witches, sorcerers, and other evil wishers in the neighborhood. In the Tyrol, it was believed that an elder stick cut on St. John's Eve (June 23) would detect witchcraft.

Many old gardens in Britain retained into the twentieth century some of the protective elder trees. The folklorist James Napier recalled: "In my boyhood, I remember that my brothers, sisters, and myself were warned against breaking a twig or branch from the elder hedge which surrounded my grandfather's garden. We were told at the time as a reason for this prohibition, that it was poisonous; but we discovered afterwards that there was another reason, viz., that it was unlucky to break off even a small twig from a bourtree bush [old name for elder]."

In some parts of Europe, this superstition was so strong that before pruning the elder, the gardener would say, "Elder, elder may I cut thy branches?" If no response was heard, it was considered that permission had been given, and then, after spitting three times, the pruner began his cutting. Another writer claimed that elderwood formed a portion of the fuel used in burning human bodies as protection against evil influences, and drivers of funeral hearses had their whip handles made of elder for a similar reason.

In some parts of Scotland, people would not put a piece of elderwood into the fire. Napier observed one instance where "pieces of this wood were lying around unused when the neighbourhood was in great straits for firewood; but none would use it, and when asked why? the answer was: 'We don't know, but folks say it is not lucky to burn the bourtree."'

Elderberries gathered on St. John's Eve were believed to ward off witchcraft and to bestow magic powers. If the elder was planted in the form of a cross upon a new grave and it bloomed, this was a sure sign that the soul of the dead person was happy.

Various magic powers against illness were claimed for elder. In Massachusetts, elder pulp in a bag worn around the neck was thought to cure rheumatism. Elsewhere elder was also used as an amulet, small pieces being cut up and sewn into a knot and hung around the neck or sewn in a knot in a piece of a man's shirt. Elder was also believed to be of medicinal value for deafness, faintness, strangulation, sore throat, ravings, snake and dog bites, insomnia, melancholy, and hypochondria.

Medication Interactions of Elder berry

According to the UMMC, elderberry can react with numerous prescription medications. Elderberry has diuretic properties, and users should not combine it with other diuretics because of the risk of dehydration. Those who take diabetic medications that lower blood sugar should not take elderberry, because elderberry has blood sugar-lowering capabilities that can lead to hypoglycemia, a complication of diabetes characterized by extremely low blood sugar. Elderberry may also increase the side effects of chemotherapy drugs and interfere with the drug theophylline, an asthma medication, and immunosuppressants like prednisone.

News About Elder Tree

What is an Elderberry and How Can You Use It?

Source:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/rooting-elderberry-cuttings.htm

By Amy Grant

Elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) are native to parts of North America and are seen as a harbinger of spring. The delicious berries are made into preserves, pies, juices and syrup. Elderberries are woody plants, thus starting elderberry from cuttings is a simple and common method of elderberry propagation. How to propagate elderberry cuttings and when is the best time to take elderberry cuttings? Read on to learn more.

When to Take Elderberry Cuttings

Elderberry propagation via cuttings should be softwood cuttings. These are the best for propagating elderberries due to the new growth that is just at the cusp of maturity.

Take your softwood cuttings in early spring when the plant is just breaking dormancy. Cuttings form new roots from leaf nodes on the stem and, voila, you have a new elderberry plant that is a clone of the parent.

How to Propagate Elderberry Cuttings

Elderberries are suited to USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8. Once your soil has been prepared, it’s time to plant the cuttings. You can take a soft cutting from a neighbor or relative or order them through an online nursery. While cross pollination is not necessary to set fruit, blossoms that are cross pollinated tend to produce larger fruit, so ideally, you should select two cultivars and plant them within 60 feet of each other.

If you are cutting your own, select a soft, springy branch that is just beginning to harden up and turn from green to brown. Cut the branch into 4- to 6-inch long segments; you should get multiple cuttings from one branch. Pinch off all the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting. Be sure to leave at least one set of leaves at the top.

Rooting elderberry cuttings may begin either in water or a soil mix.

• You can place the trimming cut side down in a jar filled with water, submerging halfway. Put the jar in a sunny area for six to eight weeks, changing the water every so often. Mist the cutting every few days. Roots should begin to form by week eight. They will be more fragile than those begun in soil, so wait until they look sturdy before transplanting them into the garden.

• If using the soil method for rooting your cutting, soak the cuttings in water for 12-24 hours. Then combine one part peat moss to one part sand and combine it with water until the soil is damp and crumbly, not sodden. Fill a 2- to 4-inch container with the mix and stick the bottom third of the cutting into the medium. Secure a clear plastic bag over the pot with twist ties or a rubber band to create a mini greenhouse. Place the cutting in an area of bright but indirect light. Mist the cutting every few days as the soil dries out, and then replace the bag. After six weeks, the elderberry cutting should have roots. A gentle tug should meet with resistance, which will let you know it’s time to transplant.

Before rooting your elderberry cuttings, select a site and prepare the soil. Elderberries like a sunny to partially shaded area with fertile soil, amended with plenty of organic matter. The soil should also be well draining. A soil test available through your local extension office will clue you into any amendments the soil needs before starting elderberry from cuttings. You may need to incorporate additional phosphorus or potassium before planting.

Now just dig a hole and bury the cutting with the base of the stem level with the soil line. Space multiple elderberries out by 6-10 feet to allow for a 6- to 8-foot spread by each plant.

By summer, you should have elderberry blossoms which can be used to make syrup, tea or lemonade. By the next summer, you should have an abundance of antioxidant rich, juicy berries high in Vitamin C and iron to make into preserves, pies, wine and syrup.

What is an Elderberry and How Can You Use It?

Source:https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-elderberry-herb-1762285

By Amy Jeanroy

A Naturally Sweet Berry for Fighting the Flu

The elderberry is a very popular plant that grows well in the garden as well as the wild. It is an excellent tree to grow that will attract wildlife to your garden and the flowers and berries can be harvested for a variety of uses.

From delicious elderberry jams, wines, and pies to an effective and natural way to fight the flu, the elderberry is a very beneficial plant. It's definitely one you will want to know though it does come with a few precautions that are very important to understand as well.

Growing the Elderberry Tree

The elderberry grows as a tree and it is a wonderful addition to any edible garden. It also grows plentifully in the wild, particularly along river banks throughout the western parts of North America. This makes it a great wildcrafting plant though it's important that you correctly identify the tree prior to using any unknown berries.

The elderberry tree can grow as tall as 20 feet and it is related to the honeysuckle. It often grows in a shrub-like cluster of stems though some varieties are smaller and single-stemmed.

The serrated leaves of the elderberry grow along the twigs in groups of 3-9 leaves. They are aligned with each other in an opposite formation, meaning they do not line up from one side of the stem to the other but are staggered.

In the spring, the fragrant flowers bloom in small clusters and are a waxy white color. These promote the coveted berries in autumn, so it's important to harvest only a portion of the flowers if you also want to enjoy the berries.

In the garden, elderberry trees enjoy moist, well-drained soil and plenty of sun. They can also produce runners, so it's important to remove any unwanted shoots or they will take over your garden. You may have to wait 2-3 years after planting before your elderberry flowers and fruits.

Propagating the elderberry is best done by seed as cuttings have a lower success rate.

Luckily, as many berry-eating birds prove, the seeds take root very well and can produce a very healthy tree.

Many nurseries offer a variety of elderberry plants as well. If you have a particular use in mind, be sure to ask if the variety you're buying is suitable.

• Latin Name: Sambucus nigra

• Common Name: elderberry, sweet or wild elder

• USDA Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-7

• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Elderberry Precautions

The elderberry is a fantastic flowering tree that has many uses and is a delight to harvest. However, it also comes with some risks that should be pointed out before anything else.

• The elderberry flower and berries are known to cause an allergic reaction in some people.

• Never harvest elderberry fruits that are not completely ripened. The immature fruits are poisonous and can cause nausea.

• For the same reason, it's advised to cook the berries rather than consuming them raw. Avoid the temptation to sample berries straight from the tree.

• Do not confuse the elderberry with other berry-producing trees. They may look similar, but red berries of similar species are known to be very toxic - look for dark purple or blue to black berries.

Harvesting Elderberries

The flowers and berries from the elderberry can be harvested for use.

As mentioned, it's important to harvest them at the right time in order to avoid any of the health concerns associated with the plant.

• The flowers of the elderberry tree should be harvested once the entire cluster has opened. Simply snip off the entire cluster of blooms.

• The berries will be ready to harvest when they are a rich, dark purple/black. They should also be slightly soft.

• Harvesting the berries is easy. They grow in large bunches called umbrells and each stem can be removed once the berries ripe. The stem acts as a convenient handle when working with the berries, so don't cut it too short. If you notice any immature berries, remove them from your harvest.

• When wildcrafting elderberries, be sure to only pick from areas that do not receive a lot of vehicle traffic.

How to Use Elderberries

One of the best-known uses of elderberry is for fighting the flu.

The berries contain compounds that keep the flu virus from attaching to the body's cells, so it can shorten the duration of your illness and possibly lessen the severity.

• Elderberries make a wonderfully tasty remedy.

• You can use them fresh or dried to make a sweet elderberry syrup or a semi-sweet tincture.

The berries can also be used to make a fruity jam or even a delicious pie.

   Tip: To dry elderberries, place them in a dehydrator or bake them lightly in the oven. They can also be spread out on a drying screen in a thin layer until dry.

The intense fragrance of the elderberry flower is very relaxing and can be added to a calming potpourri mix. The flowers can be used to make a tea, liqueur, or wine as well.

Elderberry Jam has super fruit, super bands, super fun

Source:http://www.newstribune.com/news/features/story/2017/jul/27/elderberry-jam-has-super-fruit-super-bands-super-fun/683918/

By Samantha Pogue

When music promoter Jake West was first introduced to elderberries, he knew little about them.

Partly through the Elderberry Festival in Hartsburg, he learned the super fruit has been used for centuries to treat wounds, soothes respiratory illnesses such as the cold and flu if ingested, and boasts flavonoids that have antioxidant properties to prevent damage to the body's cells.

"My family and I rarely get sick now that we love elderberries and drink elderberry juice," he said.

Spreading the good news about nature's medicine is what started the first Elderberry Festival in Hartsburg. After about three years, the management of the initial festival reorganized, and the event expanded to include a variety of music, workshops and activities for the whole family.

Celebrating its fifth year and boasting more than 15 musicians and performers in concert, the 2017 Elderberry Jam scheduled Aug. 4-5 is still held at the Elderberry Farm and shares the health benefits of elderberries with its guests.

"Still being at the farm, our guests still see beautiful rows of elderberries everywhere," said West, who is now the lead organizer of the event and co-hosts it under his music promotion company, Good Times Productions. "Norm's Farms will be on hand, and they will have plenty of elderberry juices, jams, jellies, throat coat and some samples, talking about the benefits of the super fruit."

Music is also an important part of the Elderberry Jam, with a variety of genres represented in performances at the farm's natural hillside amphitheater. The full line-up of musicians includes Dirtfoot, Al Holliday and the East Side Rhythm Band, The Stone Sugar Shakedown, The Kay Brothers, Blue Fruit Snacks, Break Night, Blake Gardner & The Farmers, Spaceship, The Roadkill Orchestra, Paul Weber and The Scrappers, Catdaddy's Funky Fuzz-Bunker Band, My Twins, Silence The Duck, Jones and Rosenkrans, Dance Monkey Dance, Laura Thurston, Benji Wade Mantle, Leah Osborne, Green Bean and Kai Muhammad.

"We cross genres; there's no particular type of music and a little bit of everything. Earlier in the day you will hear more country and bluegrass and singer/songwriter style music, but as the night goes on we'll ease into more electric and energetic rock," West said. "We have veteran (Elderberry Jam) performers like Road Kill Orchestra and The Stone Sugar Shakedown, which are just two of our popular staples. Then there are newcomers like Dirt Road and Al Holliday and the East Side Rhythm Band. We are really excited about both of those."

In fact, the Road Kill Orchestra will provide entertainment during the "Git' Up, Git' Down Community Breakfast" on Aug. 5 where guests bring in their bacon, eggs and other items and leave the cooking to event organizers for a hassle-free breakfast.

"We typically have about 200 people that enjoy this fun, potluck-style breakfast," West said.

With paid admission to the festival, guests can also enjoy adult workshops and kids camp. Yoga, belly dancing, elderberry education and juggling are among fun sessions for adults, while children can enjoy face painting, a balloon ninja, a DYI hoop workshop, nature walk, arts and crafts, peanut butter jelly time, scavenger hunt, water-related activities and more, West said.

Even though the festival typically boasts approximately 500 attendees, West considers the Elderberry Jam a small, grassroots event with a positive vibe.

"Everybody has been very impressed and wants to come back. We go the extra mile in presenting quality music, quality food vendors and a positive environment," West said. "There is something there for everybody. It's not about any one thing, but it's music, kids, elderberries and community. It's all about good people, good music, good food and good times."

Two-day passes are $60 per person, and a one-day pass for Aug. 5 is $30 per person. Children 12 and younger are admitted for free, and children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Two-day passes include camping Friday and Saturday evening, and Saturday passes include camping that night. All passes include admission to adult workshops and children's camp activities. A $5 Thursday early arrival fee will be charged. The event will be held rain or shine.

The Elderberry Farm is located at 20200 S. Jemerson Creek Road in Hartsburg. For more information, email West at ekaj777@yahoo.com or visit the [2017 Elderberry Jam event page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/1332085103478150/].

Elderberry Plant Companions – Tips On Planting With Elderberries

Source:https://www.gardeningkno.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/elderberry-plant-companions.htm

By Teo Spengler

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) are large shrubs with showy white flowers and small berries, both edible. Gardeners love elderberries because they attract pollinators, like butterflies and bees, and provide food for wildlife. These shrubs can be planted alone but look best with elderberry plant companions. What to plant with elderberries? Read on for some tips about elderberry companion planting.

Planting with Elderberries

Some gardeners make fritters from elderberry flowers and eat the fruit, raw or cooked. Others leave the berries for the birds and just use the hardy shrubs in a hedgerow. But whether or not you eat the blossoms or fruit of these shrubs, you can make your garden more attractive by selecting appropriate elderberry plant companions.

The shrubs thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10, so you’ll have many options. And the many varieties of elderberry provide flexibility as well.

Elderberries can grow to 12 feet tall and are often vase shaped. The shrubs prefer rich, rocky soil, and, in the wild, grow in valleys, woods and clearings. Whatever you choose for companions with them will need to have similar growing requirements.

What to Plant with Elderberry

The shrubs thrive in full sun, full shade, or anything in between. This makes them great companion shrubs for shorter, shade-loving plants and also for taller trees. If you already have tall trees in your yard, you can plant shade-loving elderberry under them.

If you are starting from scratch on elderberry companion planting, you’ll have to decide what to plant with elderberry. White pine trees or quaking aspen are good elderberry companion plants, if you want something taller than the shrubs. For a plant about the same size, consider winterberry.

Remember that elderberries do not like their roots disturbed once they are established. Therefore, it’s a good idea to install elderberry companion plants at the same time you plant the shrubs.

Other good ideas for elderberry companion planting include edging your vegetable garden with the shrubs or mixing them with other berry shrubs, like currants and gooseberries. Just planting ornamental varieties as a border for the perennial flower garden can be very attractive.

If you plant varieties with black foliage, choose flowering plants with bright blossoms as elderberry companion plants. Phlox and bee balm work well when you are planting with elderberries in this way.

Elderberry making its way into the spotlight

Source:http://www.pressherald.com/2017/06/11/move-over-blueberry-theres-a-new-berry-in-town/

By Tom Atwell

The UMaine Cooperative Extension is researching the state's native elderberry and assisting in its commercial production

Our native elderberry can be used as food, medicine and dye – it turns things pretty shades of pink, raspberry and mauve – and the bush itself looks beautiful in the landscape. People have used the shrub – by foraging for the berries or growing the bush – for centuries, but commercial farming is just beginning to take off.

Tori Jackson, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator based in Lisbon Falls, said the extension began researching how best to grow elderberries in 2015 after some commercial growers sought assistance. Blueberries, as a traditional Maine crop, have received a lot of attention from the extension, elderberries not so much.

So the extension is testing 12 varieties of elderberry at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth to see which ones do best.

But even before that research is complete, it has shown that the native elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, is a Zone 3 plant – meaning it will grow anywhere in Maine – that likes neutral soil and requires very little maintenance. In the wild, Jackson said, elderberries are most often found at woodland edges and beside lakes and streams, and part of the reason elderberries are being promoted as a commercial crop is that they can stand wet and otherwise marginal land that other crops can’t tolerate.

While the berries don’t taste good raw – flavors are said to range from bland to bitter – they are excellent in jam, pies and other baked goods and can be made into wine, too (remember “Arsenic and Old Lace”? Not that we are advising the addition of arsenic!). Jackson said that elderberry syrup is often used to treat influenza and other ailments, and when you see meat stamped with ink in the butcher shop, that ink is made from elderberries.

If you search online for elderberry, you’ll find a lot more references to Sambucus nigra, or black elderberry, than the native American version, but the European black elderberry does not thrive in the Maine climate. “Nigra is a little more potent for medicinal uses,” Jackson said, “but while we have not done a trial, for most people who tried to grow it, it didn’t last more than a season or two. It just can’t take our winters.”

About a decade ago, an ornamental elderberry called Black Beauty, with lacy purple foliage and pink flowers came, on the market. As often happens, the catalog descriptions of the plant were a lot more attractive than the actual plant – and many of those died off quickly, as well.

Although the native elderberries usually are not considered ornamental, they are quite attractive, growing 5 to 7 feet tall with nice-looking compound leaves. Jackson said some of the native elderberries have white flowers that are as large as basketball, while others are much smaller.

Elderberry plants have shallow roots that spread along the ground – a plant can become as much 12 feet wide over time – but when young, they don’t compete well against weeds.

Although fruit production increases if you plant two varieties, you will still get some fruit even if you have just a single plant, Jackson said. The most common varieties, she said, are Johns, Adams and Yorks.

Elderberries blossom in late June or early July, and the berries ripen – depending on the variety and season – between late August and October. As a native plant, elderberries are popular with wildlife. Pollinators love the flowers and while people aren’t partial to the raw berries, birds adore them. The bushes will produce some fruit in their second year, but won’t start producing heavily until the third or fourth year after you plant them.

They don’t need a lot of care, although pruning out some of the older branches to improve air circulation does benefit them. Good qualities aside, Jackson does foresee one problem: The spotted wing drosophila, a fruit fly that has reached Maine within the past five years. Unlike most other fruit flies, the spotted wing drosophila can lay eggs in – thus damage – fresh, healthy fruit, not just fruit that is beginning to rot.

“Elderberry is a prime target for that pest, which looks for soft fruit but doesn’t get ramped up until September,” Jackson said. “That life cycle coincides pretty well with the elderberry.”

Researchers are looking for ways to control the drosophila, including netting. Chemicals have been ruled out because the berries are an edible product too close to harvest, she said.

But even if the invasive fruit fly gets the fruit before you do, the elderberry has enough attributes, from its beauty to its usefulness for wildlife that you may want to give it a try.

Elderberry Bush Varieties: Different Types Of Elderberry Plants

Source:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/elderberry/elderberry-bush-varieties.htm

By Amy Grant

Elderberries are one of the easiest shrubs to grow. Not only are they attractive plants, but they yield edible flowers and fruit high in vitamins A, B and C. Native to Central Europe and North America, the shrubs are commonly found growing along the road, forest edges and abandoned fields. What types of elderberry plants are suited to your region?

Elderberry Types

Recently, newer varieties of elderberries have been introduced into the market. These new elderberry bush varieties have been bred for their ornamental characteristics. So now you not only get the lovely 8- to 10-inch blossoms and prolific dark purple fruit but, in some varieties of elderberry, colorful foliage as well.

The two most common types of elderberry plants are the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis).

• The American elderberry grows wild among fields and meadows. It attains a height of between 10-12 feet tall and is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8.

• The European variety is hardy to USDA zones 4-8 and is significantly taller than the American variety. It grows up to 20 feet in height and also blooms earlier than the American elderberry.

There is also a red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), which is similar to the American species but with one important difference. The brilliant berries it produces are poisonous.

You should plant two different elderberry bush varieties within 60 feet of each other to get maximum fruit production. The bushes begin producing in their second or third year. All elderberries produce fruit; however, the American elderberry varieties are better than the European, which should be planted more for their lovely foliage.

Varieties of Elderberry

Below are common cultivar elderberry varieties:

• ‘Beauty,’ as its name suggests, is an example of an ornamental European variety. It boasts purple foliage and pink blossoms that smell of lemon. It will grow from 6-8 feet tall and across.

• ‘Black Lace’ is another spectacular European cultivar that has deeply serrated, dark purple foliage. It also grows to 6-8 feet with pink flowers and looks very much akin to a Japanese maple.

• Two of the oldest and most vigorous elderberry types are Adams #1 and Adams #2, which bear large fruit clusters and berries that ripen in early September.

• An early producer, ‘Johns’ is an American variety that is a prolific producer as well. This cultivar is great for making jelly and will grow to 12 feet tall and wide with 10 foot canes.

• ‘Nova,’ an American self-fruiting variety has large, sweet fruit on a smaller 6-foot shrub. While it is self-fruitful, ‘Nova’ will thrive with another American elderberry growing nearby.

• ‘Variegated’ is a European variety with striking green and white foliage. Grow this variety for the attractive foliage, not the berries. It is less productive than other elderberry types.

• ‘Scotia’ has very sweet berries but smaller bushes than other elderberries.

• ‘York’ is another American variety that produces the largest berries of all the elderberries. Pair it with ‘Nova’ for pollinating purposes. It only grows to about 6 feet tall and across and matures in late August.

What Are the Health Benefits of Black Elderberry Syrup?

Source:http://woman.thenest.com/health-benefits-black-elderberry-syrup-5288.html

By Tracey Roizman (D.C.)

Elderberry, a rangy shrub that produces large clusters of small, dark berries, has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. European, or black elder, is the most commonly used of the 30 species of elderberry. Because the raw berries contain a cyanide-like substance, they must be cooked before use, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Black elderberry syrup offers many potential health benefits.

Antiviral

Black elderberry syrup may reduce the duration and severity of your next cold or flu by decreasing congestion and increasing sweating, which helps your body rid itself of infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A test tube study published in the December 2011 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine" found that a commercial herbal preparation containing elderberry, gentian, primula flower, sorrel and verbena showed effectiveness against a broad spectrum of respiratory viruses. The form of the supplement produced different results in some instances, with the dried form -- capsules or tablets -- showing significantly greater effect than oral drops.

Antibacterial

Bacterial infections, such as H. pylori, the bacterium the causes stomach ulcers, may respond well to treatment with black elderberry extract, according to the University of Texas at El Paso. Elderberry also enhances the effectiveness of the antibiotic clarithromycin. A study published in the February 2011 issue of the journal "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine" found that black elderberry inhibited several species of streptococcus, a type of bacteria that commonly causes respiratory infections.

Antioxidant

Antioxidant properties of black elderberry help protect cells from oxidative damage that can lead to cancer, according to Purdue University. Elderberry possesses among the highest levels of antioxidants of all berries and small fruits. A study published in the April 2012 issue of the journal "heptogastroenterology" found that black elderberry extract inhibited invasiveness and metastasis of gallbladder cancer.

Anticancer

Black elderberry contains proteins that inactivate certain types of cell reproduction and may offer anticancer benefits, according to a study published in the May 2011 issue of the journal "Toxins." Researchers noted that the elderberry proteins are less toxic than other proteins, such as ricin, a highly toxic derivative of the castor oil plant, and may represent a viable lower-risk option for cancer treatment and prevention.

Blood Sugar and Fat

A compound in elderberry, called ursolic acid, may help regulate blood sugar and discourage fat storage, according to a laboratory animal study published in the November 2011 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food." In the study, 15 weeks of supplementation with ursolic acid resulted in decreased body weight, abdominal fat and blood sugar levels. Researchers concluded that elderberry extract may offer a natural means to favorably alter metabolism to help decrease the risk for obesity and diabetes.

Considerations

Elderberry's blood sugar-lowering effects may increase the effects of diabetes medications and cause dangerously low blood sugar. Elderberry also acts as a diuretic encouraging your body to release fluids and should not be used together with diuretic drugs. Similarly, its immune-stimulating activity makes it work against drugs that suppress the immune system, such as steroids and other drugs used to treat autoimmune conditions. Consult your doctor for guidance on the proper use of elderberry.

Feeling ill? Try elderberry.

Source:http://bangordailynews.com/2015/05/14/homestead/how-to-make-immune-boosting-tinctures-and-decoctions-from-elderberry/

By Cari Balbo (Special to the BDN)

If you told me I had to pick one herb to take with me to a desert island, I would ask if I could please take two. (It can’t hurt to ask, right?) Those two would be elderberry and garlic.

If I really had to choose only one, I would very likely choose elderberry.

Elderberry is a fantastic herb for overall health and, provided you follow the simple precautions that ensure you’re correctly using an edible variety, very safe to consume.

Elderberries enhance the immune system and have high levels of antioxidants as well as Vitamins A and C. I encourage everyone to do their own research on herbs to determine what’s right for you as every individual is different. I can only speak to my own personal experience of how elderberry has worked for me. And I cannot praise elderberry enough. I love it so much I named our adopted cat Sambucus, Latin for elderberry.

Last weekend we picked up six elderberry plants from Fedco Trees for our farm. While they are plentiful in the wild, I’m excited to have a hedgerow of elders to harvest just a few yards from my kitchen. This is our first year planting at Ridge Pond Farm, and we’ve done our best to be methodical, practical and frugal this year.

We lived in Portland for almost 12 years, eight of which we spent off the peninsula on a small lot where we grew many fruit trees and other edibles. With our efforts initially focused on the medicinal herb gardens for my Ridge Pond Herbals products, we’re holding off on much in the way of fruit trees. Luckily elders are both medicinal and a fruit, so they made the list for our first year’s plantings.

I currently source my elderberries online from a great company, Mountain Rose Herbs. Until I have my own crops, I want to purchase the very best I can afford for my own use and to use in my business; the quality of their products is outstanding. I use elderberries in many ways at home, and there are countless other ways I have yet to try. In the past few years of incorporating elderberry into our diet, my husband and I have been amazed at how rarely we get sick now.

Where we both used to generally have at least one illness a year, typically a cold in winter, for the past few years we’ve hardly been ill at all, even when exposed to others who are sick or during times of high stress. The two recipes I make most often at home to keep our immune systems in great shape are elderberry tincture and an elderberry-rich syrup made from good-for-you herbs and spices.

Tincture

A tincture is the term for a liquid, typically alcohol such as vodka, which soaks with an herb or herbs for some amount of time. The alcohol in the vodka extracts much of the medicinal value from the herb(s).

My elderberry tincture recipe varies but is usually as simple as covering some amount of dried elderberries with vodka and letting it sit for at least 6 weeks. When it’s ready and I want to use it, I strain out the berries, reserve the deep purple liquid in a bottle — and voila!

We take a tablespoon or two periodically to strengthen our immune systems and take it daily when we’re feeling run down or worried about getting sick. Occasionally we’ll take a spoonful straight from the bottle but more often we mix it with water in a small glass. A tastier method is mixing a bit of elderberry tincture with sparkling water and a little simple syrup (especially one made from honey).

Elderberry tincture also makes a tasty medicinal cocktail mixer. We always have Jameson whiskey on hand, and while I drink mine neat most often, Mike prefers a whiskey cocktail. This week he devised a new one made from whiskey with a bit of maple syrup, a splash of elderberry tincture, and sparkling water. The drink was delicious and beautiful to look at, the tincture giving it a lovely light mauve color in the glass.

Decoction

The other way we most often have elderberries is in an herb- and spice-rich, long-simmered decoction. A decoction is the method for extracting medicinal properties from hard plant ingredients such as dried barks, roots and berries. While a tea (also known as an infusion) is made by pouring boiling water over leaves and flowers to extract the good stuff, a decoction means the harder parts of herbs are simmered for a while to get maximum benefit.

Every few weeks throughout the winter I make an immunity-boosting brew, perfect for flu and cold season. The ingredients vary according to my mood and what I have on hand, but it is always rich in elderberry.

A typical recipe would be about 2 cups total of herbs and spices to 3 or 4 quarts or so of water. A favorite mix includes (all dried) elderberries, rosehips, ginger root, cloves, cinnamon and astragalus root slices. (I never use the same amount of each herb every time, I just add what feels right to equal about 2 cups total.)

I’ll slowly simmer this mix, covered on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for a few hours, or until the liquid has reduced by approximately half. I strain the herbs and add honey to taste. This syrup stores a couple of weeks in the fridge — the more honey the longer the storage — but it never lasts that long here, as we take a small juice glass of it, straight or with water, most winter mornings when we have it available.

I am excited to begin growing our own elderberries this year. It will be wonderful to have my own berries for picking. There are so many elderberry recipes I want to try.

In addition to elderberry tincture and elderberry-rich medicinal syrup, I want to make an elderberry vinegar and an elixir made from the berries, honey and brandy. I love the taste of elderberry, the way it noticeably has enhanced my health, and the creative ways it can be added to our diet. And just wait until another time when I write about all the great things you can do with elderflowers!

Elderberry Tea: Health Benefits and How to Make It

Source:http://www.foods4betterhealth.com/elderberry-tea-benefits-31978

By Farah Shaikh

Elderberry is a species of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. Elderberry fruits and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. The elderflowers are white in color and the berries turn black when ripe. The leaves and stems of elderberry are toxic, and the fruits must be properly dried and separated from leaves and stems before consuming. Elderberries have a naturally sweet and tart flavor. Elderberry tea is made from dried elderberry fruits or flowers. Elderberry Tea Benefits

What is elderberry tea good for? Elderberry tea has an array of health benefits such as relieving pain and inflammation, and providing relief from the common cold and flu, just to name a few. Here are the 12 health benefits of elderberry tea.

1. May reduce cardiovascular disease

Consuming anthocyanin-rich foods such as elderberries may reduce death due to cardiovascular diseases. The Iowa Women’s Health Study conducted research on post-menopausal women without cardiovascular disease. It was found that consuming a diet rich in foods containing anthocyanins, such as berries, reduced death from CVD and coronary artery disease.

2. Improves cognitive function

A diet rich in flavonoids, including anthocyanins, may enhance memory and help prevent age-related cognitive decline. The flavonoids help in cognitive functioning by activating synaptic signaling and improving blood flow to the brain. A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture states that flavonoids can reverse age-dependent declination in memory and cognition. It may delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease as well.

3. Relieves cold and flu

Elderberry tea helps clear congestion due to the common cold and also helps to relieve aches. To get this elderberry tea benefit, you must drink it three times a day. Elderberry is a good source of vitamin C, which is a water-soluble antioxidant that helps protect against infections.

A study published in Nutrients shows that elderberry supplements can reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold in air travelers. Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research states that elderberry extract, when used within the first 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, shortens the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days.

4. Relieves sinus inflammation

The cavities around the nasal passage get inflamed leading to sinus aches. Elderberry has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help relieve sinus inflammation. Sinupret, a herbal blend, contains elderberry flowers. A study conducted by the Institute of Complementary Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine showed that patients who used Sinupret with antibiotics and a decongestant to treat bacterial sinusitis, resulted in improved and faster relief.

5. Normalizes blood sugar

A research published in the Journal of Nutrition states that elderberry has insulin-like properties that increased glucose transport and oxidation, as well as glycogenesis. As such, it may be useful for diabetics. However, it is important for a patient taking diabetes medication to consult a doctor before drinking this tea for diabetes, as it may cause hypoglycemia.

6. Cures bronchitis

According to MedlinePlus, a trusted health information website, elderberry tea might help improve the symptoms of bronchitis. A research conducted on bronchitis patients showed that a mixture of various herbs such as elderberry, verbena, gentian root, sorrel, and cowslip flower helped improve bronchitis. The effects of elderberry consumption in isolation for bronchitis needs more research.

7. Acts as a natural diuretic

One of the most important elderberry tea benefits is that it can be used as a diuretic. Diuretics are prescribed when the body retains too much of fluid. Elderberry tea helps stimulate the flow of urine, which cleanses the urinary tract. Elderberry tea also works as a mild laxative and may prevent bloating and gas, and improves bowel moments as well.

8. Enhances skin health

Elderberry tea has antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and a good amount of vitamin A, all of which are essential for healthy skin. Elderberries provide 17% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which is more than strawberries and blueberries. Elderberries are also antibacterial and can be useful for acne. The bioflavonoids in elderberry prevent and reverse wrinkles, inhibit the development and reduce the appearance of age spots, and fight varicose veins and spider veins.

9. May help prevent cancer

Elderberries have high amounts of anthocyanins, and exhibit anticarcinogenic and therapeutic properties. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food compares European and American elderberry’s anticancer properties. European elderberries have a higher amount of antioxidants compared to American elderberries. Extracts of both berries showed significant chemopreventive potential. 10. Works as a natural laxative

In Brazil, a commonly used compound for treating constipation was found to contain elderberry. Elderberry, when used with other compounds, is a natural laxative that can help relieve constipation.

11. Boosts immunity

Elderberry tea helps boost immunity, fights against cancers, and helps in wound healing. It also reduces pain and inflammation.

12. Possible cure for swine flu

Preliminary evidence based on the research conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center shows that elderberry destroys the H1N1 virus. However, this is a laboratory-level research study, and is yet to be conducted on humans.

Nutrition Facts of Elderberry

A cup of elderberries has 106 calories. The total carbohydrate content in elderberries is 27 grams, containing 10 grams of dietary fiber. Elderberry is a rich source of vitamin C and provides 87% of the recommended daily intake.

http://www.foods4betterhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Elderberry-tea-1-336x450.jpg

It also has good amounts of vitamin A, B6, calcium, iron, and potassium, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Other vitamins and minerals in elderberry include phosphorous, potassium, and manganese. Elderberries also have abundant amounts of anthocyanin antioxidants and polyphenolic flavonoid compounds such as kaempferol, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and more. How to Make Elderberry Tea

Now that you know the benefits of elderberry tea, you might also want to know how to make elderberry tea. Before making elderberry tea, ensure that the elderberry fruits have been properly dried or boiled. Elderberry tea can also be made from elderberry syrup made from dried elderberries.

Simple Elderberry Tea Recipe

-- Ingredients

• 16 ounces of filtered water

• 2 tablespoons of dried elderberries

• 1 teaspoon of raw honey

• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder

• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder

-Directions

In a small saucepan, add the elderberries and water. Then, add the cinnamon and turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil at high heat, and then let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool. Strain it into mugs and add honey. You can have it hot or refrigerate it to enjoy chilled elderberry tea.

Elderberry Syrup Tea Recipe

-- Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of elderberries

• Sugar

• Hot water

- Directions

Destem and wash the elderberries. Then, mash them and put them in a pot.

Bring the elderberries to a boil and pass them through a food mill or a jelly bag to extract the juice. Add an equal amount of sugar to the juice and boil.

Pour the mixture into a lidded jar. Pour one-fourth cup of this syrup into a mug and add hot water. Stir and enjoy the elderberry tea. You can add lemon or mint to enhance the flavor.

Knowing the benefits of elderberry tea and how to make it, you can still consume it in other forms, such as juice, jelly, jam, and syrup. You can also opt for cold elderberry soup, which will provide the same elderberry tea benefits. However, practice caution if you are diabetic or pregnant, on diuretic medications, or if you have autoimmune disorders such as arthritis. Also, these fruits have some toxicity. The unripe fruits, if eaten, cause nausea and vomiting. So, ensure the fruits are ripe, or eat them cooked or dried.

Herbs for the Flu, Tested By Science

Source:http://www.care2.com/greenliving/herbs-for-the-flu-tested-by-science.html

By Annie B. Bond

It is getting to be time that we all get a bit more sophisticated about the flu, what with the Avian flu fears looming as a possible global pandemic. Vaccinations, antiviral drugs and pharmaceuticals are not the focus of this article, but finding effective herbs to help combat the illness is.

A flu and cold are often difficult to differentiate, but a flu is usually worse. Symptoms include a fever with chills, runny nose, cough, headache, and a feeling of malaise or tiredness. Although the most acute symptoms usually subside within three days, symptoms such as weakness and coughing may persist for ten days. Even though the flu is typically self-limiting, serious complications can arise in the very young or the elderly or those with a preexisting disease.

Two herbs have stood the test of science as being effective against the flu. Find out which ones, here:

The ideal approach to the flu is, of course, prevention. This might be accomplished by improving the immune system, especially in the fall as flu season approaches. Several studies have shown that astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) extracts can stimulate the immune system. Use astragalus as an extract or add the root to soups.

If you do get the flu, here are two herbs shown to help reduce the severity of the illness.

1. Elder (Sambucus nigra) has a tradition of use for the treatment of colds and flu and has stood the test of science. The flowers from this plant have demonstrated antiviral activity against both influenza types A and B, as well as herpes simplex virus type 1. It also possesses anti-inflammatory activity.

A clinical study showed that a standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol, improved the symptoms of influenza with a complete recovery in two to three days, compared to a six-day recovery period for the group not receiving the herb. In this study patients were diagnosed with influenza type B. Elder may act by stimulating the body’s own interferon or by preventing attachment of the virus to the body’s surfaces.

2. Licorce root has also demonstrated antiviral activity. When mice infected with lethal doses of influenza virus were treated with glycyrrhizin, an active component of licorice, they were protected from death due to the virus and had less lung damage than did mice treated with saline controls.

What Kind of Soil Does the Elderberry Grow In?

Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/kind-soil-elderberry-grow-in-46128.html

By Richard Hoyt

Common elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis, also called S. nigra ssp. Canadensis) is native to all states west of a line running roughly from west Texas north to Montana. The plant yields clusters of small, edible berries that American Indians have traditionally used as a main source of food. The common elderberry can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 10.

Sunny Locations

Elderberries grow naturally in sunny sites that are moist and well-drained. These locations are typically at the bases of cliffs, on forest slopes and in canyons. They are also found in moist areas in open, drier habitats including stands of ponderosa pine, juniper, sagebrush and mountain brush. Elderberries often grow beside roads and along fence rows. Mule deer and elk browse elderberries, and numerous species of birds and rodents use them for perching, nesting, food and cover.

Forest Locations

Elderberries also grow in the less sunny areas beneath the canopies of forests along the banks of rivers and streams. Elderberries favor stands of California walnut (Juglans hindsii), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), valley oak (Quercus lobata), Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), box elder (Acer negundo) and species of willow (Salix exigua, S. gooddingii, S. laevigata and S. lasiandra.)

Recommended Soil and Location

Elderberries grow best in soils that are heavy in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. They grow less well in sandy soils that contain fewer nutrients and are less able to hold moisture. While they like moist soil, they cannot tolerate repeated flooding. Prolonged standing water in the spring and summer growing season will stunt the roots and subject them to fungal infections. Elderberries planted for fruit should be located away from woods to encourage the flow of air and to reduce problems with birds, insects and disease. Elderberries can be usefully planted as a ground cover to prevent erosion along the banks of creeks and streams.

Planting

Elderberries ripen in July and August in the warmer parts of its range, such as Mediterranean climates, but not until September or October in cooler climates. Ripe berries are dried and crushed to separate the seeds that can be sown in the fall or stored in a refrigerator and sown in the spring. Seeds are sown 1/4 inch deep and covered with 3/8 inch of sawdust mulch. Germination is slow and can take two to five years. They flower and fruit after two to three years, reaching maturity in three to four years. Elderberries propagated from cuttings have a lower survival rate than those planted from seeds.

What Is an Elderberry Bush?

Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/elderberry-bush-49679.html

(San Francisco Gate)

Native to North America, the elderberry bush (Sambucus canadensis) produces berries that turn purplish-black and become edible when ripe. However, songbirds may eat the berries before you can pick them. Also known as American elder, the deciduous shrub or small tree grows 12 to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Each 5- to 9-inch compound leaf contains 5 to 11 oval or elliptical leaflets with serrated edges and pale undersides. White, star-shaped flowers bloom in 6- to 12-inch-long clusters in the spring and summer.

Location

Elderberry bushes are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 11. They prefer moist, well-drained, acid or alkaline soil and full sun or partial shade. These vigorous bushes grow wild in partially shaded wetlands and in moist areas along canals and grasslands. As birds eat the berries and disperse the seeds, bushes spring up and form thickets under power lines and along fences and clearings. Dense elderberry thickets grow as privacy screens in yards and gardens.

Culture

Working organic compost or rotted manure into the soil before planting elderberry bushes in the spring will provide them with needed nitrogen. Bushes are planted 8 feet apart in rows 10 feet apart and another cultivar is planted with the bushes for cross-pollination. Elderberry bushes require pruning after three or four years to control size and encourage dense growth. In the spring, 1 or 2 tablespoons of nitrogen fertilizer for young plants and 3 or 4 tablespoons for mature, less vigorous plants, is recommended by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Mulching and weekly watering will keep the soil evenly moist.

Cultivars

Elderberry cultivars are available to suit your landscaping needs. “Laciniata” and “Adams,” which grow to only 8 feet tall, can thrive in a smaller space. Some elderberry cultivars have exceptionally showy flowers, leaves or berries. For example, “York” produces the largest berries and “Aurea” produces red berries and showy golden leaves. “Nova” produces an abundant crop of large, sweet berries and “Maxima” offers a dramatic display of 15-inch flower clusters.

Considerations

Although cooked elderberries make delicious pies and jams, raw elderberries contain poisonous alkaloids and are not edible. Aphids and caterpillars may feed on elderberry bush leaves, stems and shoots. Natural insect predators control aphids and diligent monitoring, pruning and sanitation help control caterpillar infestations. Tomato ringspot virus weakens the shrub and reduces vigor and stem canker causes girdling and dieback. Test the soil before planting for Xiphinema nematodes, which spread tomato ringspot virus and remove infected plants and suckers. To prevent stem canker, provide adequate water and drainage, and prune and dispose of infected shoots.

How to Recognize an Elderberry Plant

Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/recognize-elderberry-plant-59639.html

(San Francisco Gate)

Elderberries grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. In the wild, these deciduous shrubs or small trees often grow along rivers or streams. The flowers and dark purple or black berries of the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) are edible and used to make jams, pies, wines and other foods. All other parts of the plant are toxic, however, as are all parts including the flowers and red berries of the red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa).

1. Look at the overall shape and size of the bush or small tree. A mature American elderberry is about 12 feet tall, while the European elderberry grows up to 20 feet tall. The shrub or tree will be woody and have multiple trunks and a spreading, draping form.

2. Examine the leaves of the bush. Elderberry leaves grow five to 11 on each stem, with one leaf at the top and the remaining leaves in pairs opposite each other along the stem. Each leaf is ovate with serrated edges along the ends, leading to the tip. The veins of the leaves fade or end in the tips of the serrations. Individual leaves are 2 to 6 inches long, bright green on top with paler green undersides.

3. Check the bark on the woody parts of the plant. Young elderberry shrubs have a smooth, green bark spotted with white dots. As the plant matures, the bark turns gray and the white spots become small bumps in the bark. An older elderberry has brown bark that develops vertical furrows over time.

4. Inspect the flowers that appear in spring or early summer. An elderberry's white flowers grow in a flat inflorescence that can be from 2 to 8 inches across. Each individual flower in the cluster is star-shaped with five petals and five protruding yellow stamens.

5. Check the fruit that grows on the elderberry shrub in the fall. The berry clusters look like flat carpets of berries the same diameter as the floral inflorescence that preceded them. Each berry is only about 1/4 inch in diameter, with a small scar on the end of the berry.

◘ Warnings

Even the edible purple elderberries eaten raw may cause some people to feel ill.

Do not eat red berries, unripe berries or any part of the plant other than flowers or berries. These parts are toxic.

Elderberry and Sugar Combat Viral Infections

Source:http://bangordailynews.com/2015/05/14/homestead/how-to-make-immune-boosting-tinctures-and-decoctions-from-elderberry/