Elderberries

Sambucus nigra is a species complex of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae native to most of Europe. Common names include elder, elderberry, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, European black elderberry, and tramman (Isle of Man). It thrives in a range of environments, primarily in sunny areas with fertile soils that are both moist and dry. The plant is extensively cultivated as a tiny tree or decorative shrub. Both the blossoms and the berries have a long history of usage in cooking, mostly for wine and cordial. There is no scientific proof that elderberry has any benefits for preserving health or curing ailments, despite the fact that it is frequently utilized in dietary supplements and conventional medicine.

Elderberry is a tiny, deciduous tree or shrub that rarely grows higher than 6 meters in height. When young, the bark is a light gray color that gradually darkens to a coarse gray outer bark with noticeable lenticels and lengthwise furrowing. The leaves have five to seven (sometimes nine) pinnate leaflets that are 5 to 12 cm long, 3-5 cm wide, and have a serrated margin. They are grouped in opposing pairs and measure between 10 and 30 centimeters long. Young stems are hollow in nature. Late autumn sees the production of the fruit, which is a glossy, dark purple to black berry with a diameter of 3 to 5 mm. The dark color of elderberry fruit originates from its substantial phenolic content, mainly from anthocyanins.