Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, forestry tube

This plant is too big to send in a pot it will be sent bare-rooted!

Apart from the many medicinal properties elderberry flowers are very useful in the kitchen. You can dip the flowers in pancake batter and fry them, they make a nice cordial, wine and champagne

Elderberry flower tea is used to soothe, reduce inflammation or as a diuretic. The flowers are taken for various other ailments including coughs, colds and constipation. Elderberry is used as an immune booster, perhaps supported by the presence of anthocyanidins in the berries (chemical compounds that are known to have immunostimulant effects). Elderflower is also used against diabetes: research has shown that extracts of elderflower stimulate glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin, lowering blood sugar levels. The flowers contain Vitamin C and rutin, both of which have strong antioxidant properties, so the flowers can help prevent cancer.

Elderberry trees are Nitrogen lovers, give chicken manure or copious amounts of compost for best results.  Lack of nitrogen will show as weak, yellowing plants. Elderberries are best placed as an understory to a higher tree canopy. Will also grow in full sun if the roots are kept cool and moist.

• Fry elderberry flowers dipped in pancake batter.
• Use the berries for wine and the flowers to make champagne.
• Likes nitrogen and plenty of compost. Keep roots cool and moist.

One of the key herbs of Western Herbalism:

• Reduces inflammation, diuretic.
• Coughs, colds and constipation.
• Immune booster.
• Diabetes.