Elderberry

"Elderberry"
A perennial flowering tall shrub or tree with deep purple-black colored berries. A rare plant sought after for its medical applications and food uses.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A perennial flowering plant with deep purple-black colored berries. The oppositely arranged leaves are pinnate with 5–9 leaflets. Each leaf is 2 to 10 inches long, and the leaflets have serrated margins. They bear large clusters of small white flowers in late spring, these are followed by clusters of small deep purple-black berries. All aspects of the plant are toxic except for ripe cooked berries.

Genetics and Reproduction

Plant reproduction having both male and female flowers that develop deep purple-black berries.

Growth Rate & Stages

Berry's grow on the 2nd year's growth and onward. Grows from 5 to 25 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet across.

Ecology and Habitats

Grows in temperate to subtropical regions of the world. More widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, its Southern Hemisphere occurrence is restricted to isolated locations. As a nitrogen dependent plant, it commonly grows near abandoned farms and homesteads.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Water and nutrients are absorbed through the branching root system and energy is put into growth for the first year. Berries will grow on the 2nd and successive years. Enjoys high nitrogen rich soil and sunshine.

Biological Cycle

Plant grows from seeds. Each year the plant grows 1 foot taller than the previous year. New growth begins in the spring, berries grow during the summer, and looses leaves in the winter. Fruiting times are affected by local conditions such as altitude and latitude.

Additional Information

Domestication

Extremely difficult to grow domestically.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Elderberry fruit or flowers are used as dietary supplements for minor diseases such as flu, colds, constipation, and other conditions, often served as a tea or an extract. Also used for foods, pies, baked goods, drinks, wine, syrup. Although the ripe, cooked berries are edible, uncooked berries, leaves, twigs, branches, seeds, roots, flowers, and other parts of this plant are poisonous.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Grows in nonexteme environments. Anywhere that its not too hot, cold, bright, dark, dry, or wet. Grows in temperate to subtropical regions of the world.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Plant

Civilization and Culture

Common Myths and Legends

Folklore related to elder trees is extensive and can vary according to region. In some myths, the elder tree is thought to ward off evil and give protection from witches, while other beliefs say that witches often congregate under the plant, especially when it is full of fruit. If an elder tree was cut down, a spirit known as the Elder Mother would be released and take her revenge. The tree could only safely be cut while chanting a rhyme to the Elder Mother.

Scientific Name

Sambucus

Lifespan

100 years

Conservation Status

Rare species sought after for its many uses.

Average Height

5 to 20 feet. Much larger with special conditions.

Average Length

6 to 12 feet across. Much larger with special conditions.