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Adoxaceae
European Elder Flower
Sambucus nigra
renewal and protection.
- Family
- Adoxaceae
- Genus
- Sambucus
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- deciduous shrub or small tree
- Height
- 3-10 m
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- moist, fertile, well-drained
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 4-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Elderflower cordial is a beloved traditional drink in Britain and Scandinavia, made by steeping the fragrant flower heads in sugar syrup.
- In European folklore, the elder tree was believed to be inhabited by a spirit called the Elder Mother who protected the tree.
- Every part of the plant has been used historically: flowers for beverages, berries for wine, bark for medicine, and wood for instruments.
- St-Germain, the popular French liqueur, is made from hand-picked elderflowers gathered in late spring.
- Elder grows so quickly from seed and cuttings that it was once called the weed tree, yet it supports over 60 species of insects.
Color meanings
0
renewal
1
protection
2
compassion
3
zeal