Herbs · Handle with care

Elder

Sambucus nigra · also called Elderflower, Elderberry, Elder mother · planet: Venus

A hedgerow shrub or small tree with flat plates of creamy, scented flowers in early summer and dark purple berries in autumn.

In the garden

Sun to part shade, moist soil; it grows fast and takes hard pruning. Pollinators visit the flowers and birds strip the berries.

In the kitchen

Only fully open flowers and fully ripe berries that have been cooked. Make cordial from the flowers, and syrup or jelly from cooked berries. Never eat raw berries, leaves, twigs or bark.

Take care

• Raw berries, leaves, stems, roots and bark are poisonous. Berries must be fully ripe and cooked.
• Do not use a plant you have not identified for certain; water hemlock and other white-flowered plants can look similar from afar.
• Treat the wild plant as poisonous until you are certain of what you have.

Folklore and garden information only, not medical advice. Do not eat or use any plant unless you are certain what it is and that it is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medicine, or choosing for children or pets.