About Elderberry

Elderberry is a shrub of the honeysuckle tree. It grows to a height of no more than 13 feet and produces flowers and fruit. Some parts of the elderberry are toxic, such as the leaves and unripe fruit. The common species has flowers and mature berries that may be ingested without harm. The elderberry is a common and important plant in North America and the West Indies.

Branches and Leaves

The bark of the elderberry is smooth, gray and without thorns. The branches are thin, with cork-like bumps. Within each branch lies a white spongy pith. Elderberry leaves are segmented and feathered. Each leaflet is serrated, oval-shaped and has pointed tips. Small, lacy white flowers appear in clusters during late spring and early summer.

Fruit

The berries of the shrub are usually tiny bluish black or completely black globes that are produced in flat clusters. Some species of elderberry produce red fruit that grow in rounded, rather that flat, clusters. The red berries are believed to be toxic. The black elderberry fruit, however, is edible and used in many recipes. Make sure the fruit you pick is from an actual elderberry shrub, because the herculesi club shrub resembles the elderberry. This particular shrub can be differentiated from the elderberry in that it has an unbranched, thorny trunk.

Food and Beverage

Elderberry flowers can be used to make a tea, as well as fragrant wine. The black berries of the shrub are nutritious and low in calories. These fruits are high in potassium and beta-carotene. You can bake elderberries into muffins and cakes, where they provide a unique flavor and crunchiness. Elderberry jam is also a favorite recipe of those familiar with the fruit.

Health Benefits

There are many folk remedies that utilize the elderberry. People have been known to eat elderberries to lose weight because the fruit has a diuretic property. One use for elder flowers is to distill them in water to use as a skin toner. An infusion of elder flowers has been employed to ease sunburn and lighten freckles. Many herbalists use elderberry infusion as an expectorant to treat cold and influenza, upset stomach and to relieve gas pains. Be very careful to use the non-toxic parts of the elderberry (flower and berries) only and the leaves, roots or bark.

Folklore

Elderberry is important in folklore and legend, especially in the European tradition. William Shakespeare calls the shrub "the stinking Elder" in his play "Cymbeline," referring to it as an ancient symbol of grief. Shakespeare also adheres to the medieval contention that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from an Elder by referring to this legend in his "Love's Labour Lost" play. Other folklore, including Danish legend, contends the Elder is intrinsically connected with magic and haunting. Others believe, however, that the plant could ward off evil. For instance, one legend claimed affixing Elder leaves to doors and windows could ward off witches.