27/02/2026
ELDERFLOWER
sambucus nigra
From its fleeting summer season of dainty and fragrant white flowers, to the sinister-looking black berries it yields in autumn, the elder tree summons a romantic and magical image in our heads. Elderflower has always been considered magical; a symbol of witchcraft and of sacrifice. Witches are said to be able to turn themselves into elder trees, and the leaves and berries
were once used to break spells of evil intent.
Historical uses
Elder wood was often used to make butcher’s skewers, shoemaker’s pegs, needles for weaving nets and musical instruments. In the Scottish Highlands, the bark and roots were commonly used to produce a black dye, and the leaves to produce a green dye. The Romans also made a purple colouring from elderberries, which was used as a hair dye.
Did you know?
The leaves, bark and roots of most elders, including the American Elder, contain poisonous alkaloids and should not be consumed. Elderberries are toxic when uncooked, so they should never be eaten raw. Although black elderberries are partially edible in their raw state, they may still cause nausea.
Excerpt from Root to Bloom; A Modern Guide To Whole Plant Use
By Jocelyn Cross & Mat Pember, Hardie Grant
