Elderberry is a berry that grows on a small tree or bush called the elder tree. There are several different types of elder trees, and the plant grows on at least four continents (Europe, North America, Asia and Africa). European elder is most often used for dietary supplements, but other forms, such as the American elder tree, can be used in foodstuffs as well. Elderberry is used for medicinal purposes as well as a variety of other uses.
Herbal Supplement
Elderberries and the flower of the plant are made into an herbal supplement that is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. One of the alternate names for elderberry is sambucus, an ingredient that is sometimes found in commercial cough medicines and cold remedies. Elderberry can ease symptoms of colds and flu, as well as treat pain and swelling. Elder flowers can be dried and brewed into a tea, and the berries are cooked and reduced to extracts. Elderberry capsules are also available to take as an herbal supplement.
Food Flavoring
Elderberries that are small and blue or purple in color--similar in size and shape to blueberries--can be eaten. These edible berries serve as flavorings for jams, wines and sweetened syrups. The flowers of the elderberry plant can be eaten as well, either fried in a batter, added to baked goods or dried and made into tea. Some elder trees yield red elderberries, which are not edible and are poisonous to humans.
Textile Dye
Purple elderberries have been used as a textile dye for thousands of years, according to the USDA Plant Guide title, "Common Elderberry." The purple hue is an effective stain for reeds used in basket weaving. Wood from the elder tree can also be used in dye-making as well. The wood is hard, making it ideal for creating musical instruments and weapons in earlier years.
Livestock Feed
Farmers may plant elderberry trees for their animals to graze. Livestock such as goats, sheet and cattle feed on both the fruit and the leaves of the elderberry plants. Elderberries provide sustenance for animals mainly in the summer and fall seasons and are usually well picked-over by winter.
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