Elderberry, Black

Sambucus nigra
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Perennial spreading tree. Native to Europe. All parts of the tree are medicinal. The
root and bark are purgative the flo!ers diuretic and diaphoretic the berries are
healthily endo!ed !ith antiviral procyanidins and the leaves may be used to make a
cooling salve. Avoid eating the raw (uncooked) berries. Cultivation: E"tra care.
#trong dormancy. $eep seeds in !arm moist medium for % to & months follo!ed by
% to & months in cold conditions follo!ed by germination in the spring. 'ill not
gro! properly in sterile soil. #o! seeds in very rich and composty soil medium. The
breakdo!n of fungi in the soil !ill produce gibberellic acid a gro!th hormone !hich
is necessary for the germination of Elder. (nce germinated gro!s very rapidly into a
handsome bush or small tree best placed as an understory to a very high tree canopy.
'ill also gro! in full sun.
)eturn to *erb #eed +nde"