I am a sucker for tiny flowers. They are adorable and dainty and I cannot get enough of their cuteness. I will always stop and admire such tiny wonders. So naturally, Elderflowers are one of my favorites, and the smell they permeate… – swoon –
Let’s grab some elderflower tea, take a walk through the life of Elder, and learn about the magic that surrounds this beautiful tree.

The Elder Tree, deciduous small shrubby trees, live up to their name. These Elders have been earthside for a very long time. In Europe, archaeological excavations have found seeds at prehistoric sites around 9,000 to 17,000 years ago! These trees can grow up to 30 feet tall but are often trimmed down and grown as hedge shrubs.

There are many superstitions among the Elder tree. One is, that it is wise to ask permission (at least 3 times) before harvesting any part otherwise it is bad luck. It’s said that these trees have spirits (and even witches!) within them. However, the Elder is more known as Elder Mother. When planted next to homes, it was to provide protection, Elder trees are said to be popular among the Fae and Faery Folk for the branches make wonderful musical instruments.

There are many species of Elder (30-50) but the most common that are used are European Elder (S. nigra), American Elderberry (S. canadensis), Red Elderberry ( S. Racemosa), and Japanese Elder (S. Sieboldiana).

Elder trees can grow to 30 feet in height and can live up to 60 years! When cut back, they can be grown to be hedgerows.
Their leaves, oval and serrated, are pinnate with 5-7 leaflets and arranged opposite. When bruised, they can smell unpleasant.

A young Elder’s bark will be light gray and smooth. As it matures, the color changes to a darker gray and becomes rough and furrowed.

The flowers of an Elder tree are beautiful. These tiny, cream colored and fragrant flowers form in large flat clusters known as corymbs. They grow to 4-10 inches in diameter in late spring to mid-summer.

Elderberries, the fruit of the Elder, grow from the elderflowers in large clumps. They are small, dark berries, ranging from blue, purple, and black. They typically ripen in late summer to early fall. Get your camera out for this time as birds love them!

Elder can be found in temperate and subtropical regions around the world. Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, riverbanks, and wastelands.

Elder is a wise and giving tree, providing medicine through flowers and fruit! I love when nature gives you multiple options at different times of the year.

Elderflowers bloom through late spring to mid-summer. You’ll look for fragrant flat white clusters and the flowers are not browning. They can be harvested when the flowers are young, have a creamy white color, and are fully open (some about to open in the umbel is fine). Remember that the more clusters you pick, the fewer elderberries you will have in the fall! Leaving your freshly picked corymbs outside for a few hours is also recommended to encourage insects and other tiny critters to find a new home.

After elderflowers are pollinated, elderberries will grow. Typically between late summer and early fall, they will be ready to harvest. Be on the lookout for drooping clusters of small, dark-colored berries. Depending on the species, these can range in color from deep blue to a dark purple or black color. Be mindful of other living creatures that may enjoy the berries this time of year as well. Harvest clusters that you can naturally reach and only as much as you will need and use. Using fresh elderberries can be a little time-consuming and can feel quite daunting. To help ease this task, it’s recommended to place the fresh umbels in a bag and freeze for several hours to overnight. Once the berries are frozen, the task of removing them will be much easier!

Elderflowers and Elderberries are rich in bioactive compounds that contribute to the way they look, and taste, and their health benefits.

Elderberries contain anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. These compounds are essential in overall health.

The pigments in elderberries, known as anthocyanins, create a deep purple color and contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. More properties. Further, the flavonols and phenolic acids in elderberries like quercetin and myricetin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid also contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. More benefits.

Elderberries contain moderate amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Further, elderberries are high in pectin which helps aid digestion and gut health.

Like elderberries, elderflowers contain compounds that are essential to overall health. These compounds, some similar to elderberries, are flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, volatile compounds, and triterpenes.

The flavonoids in elderflowers, rutin, quercein, and kaempferol, help boast their antioxidant and anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. More profiles. To help further this antioxidant activity, elderflowers contain hydroxycinnamic acids known as chlorogenic acid (the most abundant) and caffeoylquinic acids.

Unlike their counterpart, Elderflowers have compounds known as triterpenes (α- and β-amyrin) which also contribute to anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. More and antimicrobialdestructive to or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, an... properties. To add, the elderflower’s volatile compounds (cis-rose oxide, nerol oxide, and linalool) contribute to this tiny flower’s floral aroma.

Elder trees have a long history of use in traditional medicine. From using elderflowers for creams and salves to elderberries for pain and inflammation. These traditions are still used, however, in modern times, their uses are more focused on upper respiratory infections, colds, and flu.

Elderflowers have a variety of uses. You can make elderflower cordials, teas, or tinctures. For external use, you can infuse them into oil that can be made into salves, creams, and serums! Elderflowers are truly versatile in providing multiple health benefits. Brewing elderflowers into tea provides drinks that are high in phenols and antioxidants that help protect against excess inflammation. Drinking tea regularly can help support eye health, cardiovascular health, and respiratory health.

Not only are elderflowers wonderful for overall health, but they also provide support against fevers. Especially fevers when the person feels hot and is not sweating. Because elderflowers are diaphoreticrelating to or causing sweat More, they promote sweating (again, great for fevers!) which is great for the natural detoxification of the skin. Elderflower washes and serums are also amazing for inflamed skin.

Elderberries are renowned for their ability to shorten the duration of a cold or flu. Further, they have stood the test of time and are widely known for their ability to prevent upper respiratory infections.

Like their flower counterparts, elderberries have a wide variety of ways to incorporate them into your life. From syrups to oxymels to tinctures to elixirs. You can go further and create food as medicine by making the berries into jams, gummy bears, jellies, or wine. Since elderberries are chock full of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these little berries are truly a nutrient-dense food.

Even today, the elder tree is sacred to many cultures and their spiritual practices. I touched briefly on the folklore and the superstitions that surround the Elder tree earlier but let’s take a deeper dive on how Elder brings a little magic to everyone who passes by her.

Elder is known as a protector, the Elder Mother, and the great healer. Do not confuse her caring nature for weakness. When provoked it is said that she will call upon evil spirits!

Given her healing magic, it is said that you can smash the berries on your hands and rub them onto the parts that need healing. You can also place elderberries under your pillow to help encourage peaceful sleep.

For protection, hang elder over doorways and windows to keep evil from entering. Carry elderberries with you to add protection against evil and negativity. Growing elder in your garden or near your house will protect your household and provide prosperity.

Elder bark, leaves, roots, seeds, and unripe berries are considered toxic (they may cause nausea, diarrhea, and depression of the central nervous system) because of sambunigrin, a cyanogenic glycoside that breaks down into cyanide when consumed. This is why it’s crucial to cook elderberries thoroughly before eating.

Ripe fresh berries are considered safe to consume as long as it is not in large quantities.