Sambucus nigra
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Perennial spreading tree. Native to Europe. All parts of
the tree are medicinal. The root and bark are purgative, the flowers
diuretic and diaphoretic, the berries are healthily endowed with antiviral
procyanidins and the leaves may be used to make a cooling salve.
Avoid
eating the raw (uncooked) berries. Cultivation:
Extra care. Strong dormancy. Keep seeds in warm, moist medium for
3 to 6 months, followed by 3 to 6 months in cold conditions, followed by
germination in the spring. Will not grow properly in sterile soil.
Sow seeds in very rich and composty soil medium. The breakdown of
fungi in the soil will produce gibberellic acid, a growth hormone which
is necessary for the germination of Elder. Once germinated, grows
very rapidly into a handsome bush or small tree, best placed as an understory
to a very high tree canopy. Will also grow in full sun.
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