Sambucus Canadensis
Member of the honeysuckle, Adoxaceae, or commonly known Moschatel, family this fragrant flower is often sought out by foragers for it’s berry arriving later in the summer that is used to make jam or wine. The flower, however, is also prized for it’s many uses. Though very tiny, this trumpet shaped bloom, was loved by gypsies and holy men alike. From the genus Sambucus, which consists of 20 species of small perennial shrubs and trees, been used to sooth irritated skin, lower fever, as a element in ritualistic practices, as a antiseptic, diuretic and more throughout the years. The plant name is derived from the Greek: sambuke– musical pipe, from which the wood of the elder was commonly used to make. “All must tip their hat to this tree is passed”, states old, German folklore and has, no wonder, been referred to as “the medicine chest of the people”. The flowers also have culinary value in addition to the medicinal element. They can be fried in batter making fritters, stewed and added to jams, boiled down to make a cordial (elderberry rob) or used to make white wine known as “elderberry champagne”.
Elderberry Rob Recipe
sources: Brown, Deni (1995) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses
Burn, Barbara (1984) North American Wildflowers
FOLKMASSES 