Elder grows up
to 33ft tall with leaves that are dark green and have a feathery appearance
that are divided into five elliptic leaves. Umbrella - shaped clusters of
cream scented flowers appear in mid summer, followed by clusters of black
fruits on red stalks that swing freely about come autumn time.
Elder can be grown from seed, plant the seeds in rows about 1inch deep.
Elder will tolerate most soils, make sure it is a well-drained soil and
plant in semi shade. Elder will take over your garden if you let it. Cut
back hard in early spring. |
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Medicinal Elder has
anti-catarrhal and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves can be used as
an insect repellent. An ointment can be made to use on chilblains, sprains
and bruises. Infusions of the flower are used for colds, sinusitis and
feverish conditions; it is also used for hayfever. Fresh and dried flowers
are used in skin toners, hand creams, and also used in many other cosmetics.
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Culinary
Both the flowers and berries can be used to make many
recipes from
savoury to sweet. The sweet flower can be used to make syrups, flavour jellies
and ice-creams. Use the berries for pickles and chutneys, combine the berries
and cook in fruit pies. Elder is famous for its wines and cordial, try them hot
they are wonderfully soothing. Elder should never be eaten raw, as the flowers
or berries contain a mildly poisonous alkaloid. This is destroyed by cooking.
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