Elder

The elder has been highly valued for centuries and has been termed "the medicine chest of the people" due to its medicinal properties of lowering fevers, reducing inflammations and soothing irritations.

Best climate and site: Zones 5-9. Full sun to partial shade.

Ideal soil conditions: Moist, rich soil; pH 6.5-8.1.

Growing guidelines: Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or by seed sown in autumn. Prune back hard in winter to ensure good foliage and flowers for next season.

Growing habit: Large, deciduous shrub or tree; height 30 feet (9 m). Leaves are dull green and pinnate in shape; they emit an unpleasant odor when crushed. Bark is gray-brown and corklike in texture.

Flowering time: Very small, highly scented white flowers occur in early summer, followed by black berries.

Pest and disease prevention: Prone to attack by aphids.

Harvesting and storing: Leaves are picked in spring and summer and used fresh. Bark is stripped off the trunk in winter and dried for further use. Flowers are picked when fully open and dried. Fruits are picked when ripe and used fresh or dried.

Precautions: Leaves, bark and raw berries are harmful if eaten.

Parts used: Leaves, bark, flowers, fruit.

Culinary uses: Flowers are used to add flavor to stewed fruits, jellies and jams; also used to make wine. Fruits are made into sauces. Juice is used to make liqueurs.

Medicinal uses: Internally for colds, fever, rheumatic pain, arthritis and constipation. Externally for sore eyes, chilblains, minor burns and mouth infections.

Other uses: Flowers are used in cosmetics, skin lotions, oils and ointments.