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Elderberry Flower Wikimedia Commons
Adoxaceae

Elderberry Flower

Sambucus nigra

Protection and healing.

Family
Adoxaceae
Genus
Sambucus
Native to
Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Bloom season
Late Spring, Early Summer
Type
Deciduous shrub or small tree
Height
300-600 cm
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Moist, fertile
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
4-8
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • Elderflower cordial, champagne, and fritters have been popular in European cuisine for centuries.
  • In folklore, the elder tree was believed to be inhabited by a spirit called the Elder Mother.
  • The flat-topped flower clusters can be up to 25 cm across and contain hundreds of tiny flowers.
  • Every part of the plant except the flowers and ripe berries contains cyanogenic glycosides and is toxic if consumed raw.
  • Elderflower is a key botanical in the popular cocktail mixer St-Germain liqueur.

Color meanings

0

Compassion

1

Healing

2

Protection

Uses

  • Culinary use
  • Herbal medicine
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedgerows