Elderflower
Sambucus nigra
ImmunitySeasonal
Parts used
Flowers, berries
Region
Europe, North America — hedgerows and woodland edges
Season
May · June · July
Where it comes from
Native to Europe, western Asia and North America.
How it’s been used through history
European villages treated the elder as a protective tree. The flowers were made into cordials, fritters and hot infusions used at the start of colds and to encourage sweating during fevers.
Lookalike warning
Easily confused with water hemlock and cow parsley. Elder is a woody shrub, never a hollow green stem — check for bark before harvesting.
For educational purposes only. Not medical advice.