Birthday
HydrangeasThis article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. Elder is one of the most ambivalent plants: its flowers flavour lemonades, its berries go into jam, folk medicine uses it for colds, and in legends it both protects against evil spirits and gives them shelter. Let's look at which elder is useful, which is dangerous and what science says.
Types of elder
Elders (Sambucus) belong to the moschatel family (Adoxaceae). Three species grow in Ukraine, and it's vital not to confuse them:
- Black elder (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub or small tree. In May–June it bears flat, creamy-white, honey-scented umbels, and in August–September drooping clusters of glossy black-purple berries on reddish stalks. This is the species used in cooking and herbal medicine.
- Red elder (Sambucus racemosa) flowers earlier, in April–May, in cone-shaped panicles rather than flat umbels. Its bright red berries ripen in July. It's poisonous and not eaten.
- Dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus) is the most dangerous look-alike. It's a herbaceous plant up to 1.5 m that dies back to the ground in winter. Its berries are also black, but the umbels point upwards instead of drooping and the flowers have purple anthers. All parts are poisonous and smell unpleasant.
If in doubt about the species, don't pick it.
Benefits of black elder
Ripe berries are rich in anthocyanins (which give them their dark colour), flavonoids and vitamin C. The flowers contain flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), phenolic acids and essential oil.
- Elderflowers are recognised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a traditional remedy for relieving early symptoms of the common cold — the tea promotes sweating.
- Berry extract has been studied for flu and colds: in small studies it slightly shortened symptoms, but the evidence isn't strong enough to replace treatment.
- The berries' anthocyanins are antioxidants, like those in blueberries and dark grapes.
Claims that elder treats diabetes, gout or skin disease, or lowers cholesterol, are not scientifically supported.
Risks of elder
- Raw and unripe berries, leaves, bark, roots and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrin), which cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. Ripe black elderberries are safe only after cooking for at least 10–15 minutes; it's best to strain out the seeds.
- Red and dwarf elder are poisonous in every part.
- Allergy is possible, as with any plant.
- Drug interactions — because of its diuretic and laxative effect, elder can boost diuretics and laxatives; take care with diabetes or immunosuppressants.
Contraindications
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- children under 12 — only on a doctor's advice;
- autoimmune disease and immunosuppressant use;
- flare-ups of stomach or bowel conditions;
- individual intolerance.
Harvesting
- Flowers are picked in May–June on a dry, sunny day when most blossoms are open. Don't wash them — you'll lose the pollen and scent. Dry them in the shade below 35 °C in a thin layer, then remove the thick stalks. Store in a glass jar for up to 2 years.
- Berries are picked fully ripe and black by cutting the whole cluster. Discard green or reddish berries. Dry them or process them straight away; dried berries keep for about a year.
- Pick away from roads, and only plants you're sure you've identified.
How elder is used
- Elderflower cordial and lemonade — the umbels are steeped in syrup with lemon for a day, then added to water, tea and cocktails.
- Elderflower tea — 1 tablespoon of dried flowers per cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes; traditionally drunk warm for colds.
- Jam, jelly and syrup from the berries — always cooked.
- Elderflower fritters — a classic Central European dessert.
Elder in legend and folklore
Few plants are surrounded by so many superstitions. In Slavic belief, devils lived under the elder bush and the devil himself had planted it, so people wouldn't uproot elder or build a house where it grew for fear of disturbing evil spirits. There's also a legend that Judas hanged himself on an elder tree.
At the same time elder was a powerful charm: branches were hung over doors and in cowsheds, and people carried pouches of dried leaves and berries to ward off the evil eye. In Germanic and Scandinavian lore the Elder Mother (Hyldemoer) lived in the bush, and you had to ask her permission before cutting a branch. On Walpurgis Night, the eve of 1 May, elder branches protected homes from the witches said to gather on the Brocken mountain.
And in modern culture, everyone remembers the Elder Wand, the most powerful wand in the Harry Potter saga.
Elder in the garden
Black elder is undemanding, fast-growing and very ornamental in flower. There are garden varieties with purple (Black Lace, Black Beauty) and golden foliage. It's used in hedges and at the back of borders, and its fragrant umbels look lovely in rustic and wildflower bouquets.
FAQ
Can you eat raw elderberries?
No. Even ripe black elderberries can cause poisoning when raw — they must be cooked.
How do I tell black elder from dwarf elder?
Black elder is a shrub or tree with woody stems and drooping berry clusters. Dwarf elder is a herb that dies back in winter, and its clusters point upwards.
Does elder help with colds?
Elderflower tea is a recognised traditional remedy for relieving early cold symptoms. If you have a high fever or feel worse, see a doctor.
For plant lovers — bouquets with fragrant greenery and wildflowers from UFL, with delivery.
View full-size photo
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
