The genus Sambucus belongs to the Adoxaceae family.Elder or elderberry is a term used to describe a variety of plants in this genus. Elderberries are fruits of the Sambucus tree.The plant’s name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘aeld’, meaning ‘fire’, due to the red color of elderberry juice. The elderberry tree is a beautiful plant that can be found all over North America. It is a popular choice for landscapers and home gardeners alike, due to its lovely blooms and tasty fruit. However, before you touch one of these trees, there are some things you should know. In this article, we will discuss elderberry tree facts that will help you understand this plant better.Facts About ElderberriesSuc de soc is an elderberry syrup that is made from elderberries and sugar. Suc de soc is traditionally used in France to make elderberry wine and elderflower liqueur called ‘sureau’. It has been popular as an herbal remedy for centuries because of its medicinal properties.The European version of the plant, black elder (Sambucus nigra), is known for its health benefits.Hippocrates (Father of Medicine), a popular ancient Greek physician, called the elderberry tree his medicine chest.Elderberry tree grows as high as 15 ft (4.5 m) tall with leaves that are green on top and silvery gray underneath.The flowers bloom from April to July, producing small white or pink flowers in clusters at intervals along each branch.The elderberry tree is native to North America and can be found growing wild throughout Canada, Alaska, and northern states like Minnesota.The elderberry bush has been used for centuries, with the first recorded use in ancient Greece.Birds eat elderberries. In fact, they love them. The berries are high in sugar and provide a great source of energy for birds. They will help keep them fueled as they migrate south for the winters.Elderberry trees also provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.Even deer, squirrels, and many animals eat elderberries.The elderberry tree prefers to grow in moist soil with good drainage, but it can also be found growing on dry hillsides or at altitudes up to 3,000 ft (914.4 m) above sea level. The bushes of elderberry spread through root suckers that can be pruned.Elderberries prefer full sun or partial shade conditions, which means they should be planted where there is plenty of sunlight during the day and shade during the early evening hours.There are 10 elderberry species. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the most common species.Elderberries have a strong flavor, both sweet and tart. Elderberry is related to blueberry, but it’s more complex in taste.The elderberry tree can produce many berries, typically around 100-200.Elderberries will last for around two weeks when stored in the fridge. They can also be frozen for up to six months.The elderberry tree can live for up to 100 years. It is a very long-living tree and will provide you with many elderberries over its lifetime.There are elderberry trees in Europe that are more than 400 years old and are still producing elderberries.Uses Of ElderberryElderberries are used for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the uses for elderberries.Elderberry extract is often used in food coloring because it has a strong color and doesn’t add any flavor or odor to the food.It is also high in antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system.One of the most popular uses for elderberry these days is in body lotions. So, why is it used in this way? It turns out that elderberry has some pretty amazing properties when it comes to skincare.Elderberry helps fight off free radicals, which can damage the skin. It helps protect against sun damage and UV rays.Elderberry can help your skin look younger by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.Elderberry jam is a popular way to enjoy elderberries. It can be used on toast, in sandwiches, or eaten by itself.The elderberry fruit contains pectin, which makes it easier for the berries to set into jelly when cooked with sugar. It is also used in syrups and juices.Dried elderberry flowers and barks are used as teas. The tea has a sweet and slightly sour taste. They are also fried and consumed as snacks.The elderberry plant is used in wine production because of its high level of antioxidants. These antioxidants are believed to help protect the body against disease, and they also give the wine its characteristic flavor.In fact, wines made from elderberry fruit tend to be some of the most antioxidant-rich wines available.Elderberry syrup can be used in ice pops, as well as in many other recipes.Elderberries are used to make pies. Elderberry pie has been a favorite dessert ever since the early 1800s.Apart from being used as a source of food, elderberry is also cultivated to prevent soil erosion as it has a strong root system.Elderflower cordial is a sweet drink made from the flowers of the elderberry tree. It is often enjoyed as a refreshing beverage on its own or used to make cocktails or mocktails. Elderflower cordial can also be used in baking recipes or as a salad dressing.Dangers Of ElderberryThe elderberry tree is not without its dangers. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Lectins, also known as anti-nutrients, are present in unripe berries and seeds. They can cause negative side effects.Ingesting a small amount of elderberry juice can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Contact with the sap or berries can also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.The elderberry plant’s leaves and bark contain a poison called elderin (tetra methylene disulfo tetramine). This poison can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.Elderberry leaves are poisonous to both humans and pets, so be sure to keep your furry friends away from this plant.The elderberry tree produces beautiful flowers, which attract bees and other pollinators. These blooms can be eaten raw or used to make elderflower cordial and elderflower liqueur.Elderberries are also edible raw, although they’re usually cooked before eating them because of their high oxalic acid content (which can cause kidney stones in large amounts).It is not poisonous to touch elderflower because the amount of toxins is too small for humans to absorb through their skin.The elderberry tree produces fruit that is edible and tasty, but raw berries must not be consumed. Elderberries contain a toxic substance called elderberry glycosides (sambunigrin), which is eliminated when heated above 150 F (65.6 C).Cooking elderberries also destroys most of their vitamin C content.The elderberry fruit is dangerous because it contains a toxin called cyanide. This toxin is released when the fruit is crushed, so it is important to be careful when picking or handling elderberries.Health Benefits Of ElderberryThough elderberry has a few toxins, when used properly it has a lot of health benefits.In the early 1900s, elderberries were used to cure influenza, but there is no evidence that elderberry extract works against seasonal flu viruses like the H1N1 virus. The elderberry plant has been used medicinally for centuries by Native Americans who believed it was a natural remedy for flu. However, this belief isn’t based on any scientific evidence.The flowers and berries of the elderberry plant are also known to be effective in treating sinus infections, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Elderberry syrups were used to treat infections, sciatica, headaches, dental pain, heart pain, and nerve pain. In folk medicine, they were used as laxatives and diuretics.In Egypt, elderberries were used to heal burns. People also used it to improve their complexion.Elderberries are packed with antioxidants. The antioxidant power in a particular anthocyanin present in the berries is almost four times higher than the antioxidant power in vitamin E. They offer immune support.Elderberries may also improve heart health. Some studies showed that the juice extracted from these berries helped reduce fat in the blood, liver, and aorta and decreased cholesterol.The production of an enzyme, called alpha-glucosidase, which is responsible for elevated blood sugar levels, is inhibited by elderberry flowers. This helps lower and maintain blood sugar levels. This berry is used in the treatment of AIDS too.In modern days, elderberry extract is used to treat colds. There was a significant reduction in flu symptoms when people had elderberry supplements. These can be taken every day. People had less severe symptoms and the duration of the illness was also reduced.Elderberries contain flavonoids that may help reduce allergy symptoms and improve eyesight as these berries are an excellent source of vitamins.0.22 lb (100 g) of elderberries provide 18% of the daily value of vitamin B6, 12% iron, and 43% vitamin C. They also contain a good amount of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber normalizes bowel movements and aids in achieving a healthy weight.
The genus Sambucus belongs to the Adoxaceae family.
