Elderberry Plant (Sambucus nigra) – Supplied in Forestry Tube

Elderberry plant: a magic tree for herbal concoctions, syrups, teas, cordials and wine. Easy-to-grow plant for many climates.

Small but Fast-Growing Plants

Note: The elderberries we send are currently in forestry tubes and quite small. However, they grow very fast. If your conditions are harsh, it’s better to transplant the elderberry into a bigger pot and plant it out in autumn.

Culinary Uses of Elderberry Flowers

Apart from their medicinal properties, elderberry flowers are very useful in the kitchen. You can dip the flowers in pancake batter and fry them, make a delicious cordial, wine, or even elderflower champagne.

Medicinal Benefits of Elderberry

Elderberry flower tea is used to soothe, reduce inflammation, or as a diuretic. The flowers are taken for various ailments including coughs, colds, and constipation. Elderberry is also used as an immune booster, likely supported by anthocyanidins in the berries, which are known to have immunostimulant effects. Elderflower may help with diabetes: research shows that extracts stimulate glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, lowering blood sugar levels. The flowers contain Vitamin C and rutin, both strong antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer.

Growing Conditions & Care

Elderberry trees love nitrogen. Give them chicken manure or plenty of compost for best results. A lack of nitrogen shows as weak, yellowing plants. Elderberries grow best as an understory to a higher tree canopy, but they will also grow in full sun if the roots are kept cool and moist.

Quick Tips

• 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.

Key Herbal Uses in Western Herbalism

• Reduces inflammation and acts as a diuretic.
• Helps with coughs, colds, and constipation.
• Boosts immunity.
• Supports blood sugar regulation for diabetes.