Sambucus - Elderberries for the Garden
In other countries, peasants made crosses out of their twigs, and hung them above doors to keep their animals secure. Elders were planted near houses to keep out witches.
By one tradition, Judas hung himself from an elder tree. Thus it became an emblem of sorrow and death. In some areas, the branches were buried with the dead to protect them from evil spirits, and the hearse driver carried a whip of elder wood.
But enough of this morbid European lore!
Elderberries were used by indigenous peoples in many parts of Canada. They were often cooked into a sauce, then dried in cakes to eat over the winter. The Okanagan of British Collumbia used to spread out clusters of blue elderberries under a pine tree just before the first snow. The berries would keep there all winter.
The Kwagkiutl ate elderberry cakes at noon. They were said to give one a stomach ache if eaten earlier in the day. The berry cakes were softened with warm water and then eulachon grease was poured over top. Mmmmmm... Interestingly enough, among B.C. native groups, only the Saanich of Vancouver Island consider Red Elderberries inedible.
POISON - Are they or aren't they?
Blue Elderberries (Sambucus caerulea) and Canadian Elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) have toxic parts. Apparently, the use of the hollow stems as whistles or blowpipes has caused poisoning in children. The bark contains a cathartic. Ingesting uncooked berries can cause nausea and vomiting. Once cooked they are not harmful if eaten in small amounts.
The berries of the Red Elder (Sambucus racemosa) should never be eaten raw, but are great when cooked.
Most of the ornamental varieties are hybrids of Sambucus nigra and are edible raw or cooked. Again, the stems can contain a cathartic, do don't suck on them.
Sambucus Growing Facts
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Height: 3 to 10' depending on variety
Spread: 4 to 10' depending on variety
Form: rounded
Pruning: Cut out entire stalks to the base of the plant. Do not attempt to improve upon the natural rounded nature of Sambucus by shaping the shrub.
Annual Growth Rate: RAPID - more than 18 inches
Flowers: white, flat-topped clusters in early summer
Fruit: colour depends on the variety. Most ornamental varieties have black berries. Birds love 'em. Borne in late-summer.
Placements in the garden: Tolerates full sun or partial shade, as long as there is water. Useful in damp areas.
Cultivars and Varieties
Unless otherwise noted, all are nigra hybrids
'Adams' - A selection that is
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