Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra
Family: Adoxaceae

What We're Growing:
We grow black elder (Sambucus nigra) for its fragrant flowers and dark, antioxidant-rich berries. The plant is as beautiful as it is useful — ornamental, edible, and deeply medicinal.

How We Use It:
We use elderflowers in teas, syrups, and skin toners. Elderberries are cooked into syrups, oxymels, and immune tonics. Both are revered in herbal medicine.

Why It’s Good for You:
Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins, known to reduce viral replication and shorten the duration of colds and flu. Elderflowers are diaphoretic, encouraging the body to gently sweat out fevers.

Elder supports respiratory health, immune balance, and is safe for children when prepared properly. It’s a cornerstone of seasonal wellness formulas.

In the Garden:
Elder grows well in moist soil and part sun. It can be pruned as a shrub or small tree and attracts birds and pollinators alike.

Fun Fact:
In European folk medicine, elder was known as the “medicine chest of the country people” — used for fever, cold, wound healing, and spiritual protection.