Elderberry

The elderberry, also known by its Latin name Sambucus, is a plant that is both decorative and useful, much appreciated for its edible berries and its medicinal properties. Native to Europe and Asia, elderberry is often grown in gardens for its white, fragrant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

To grow elderberry in your garden, it is important to choose a sunny or partially shaded location, with well-drained soil and preferably rich in organic matter. Elderberry can be planted from seeds, cuttings or already established plants. If you opt for potted plants, be sure to plant them in spring or fall, spacing each plant about 1.5 to 2 meters apart.

Once in the ground, elderberry requires little maintenance. You must make sure to water it regularly, especially during periods of drought, and to provide it with a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage its growth. It is also recommended to mulch the base of the elderberry to conserve soil moisture and prevent the growth of weeds.

The elderberry can be pruned every year to encourage the development of new branches and flowers. Pruning is best done in winter, just before the start of the growing season. It is also possible to carry out rejuvenation pruning every few years to stimulate berry production.

Elderflowers can be harvested in spring and used to prepare infusions, syrups or jams with antioxidant and antiviral properties. The berries, for their part, can be picked in the fall and used to make jellies, wines or juices rich in vitamins and minerals.

In addition to its many culinary uses, elderberry is also used in herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of colds, flu and allergies. Its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and diuretic properties make it a great ally for strengthening the immune system and treating winter ailments.

Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is one of the most common and widely used varieties. This deciduous shrub can reach up to 6 meters in height. Its flowers form large cream corymbs, and its purplish-black berries contain small seeds. Be careful, raw berries contain toxic substances, including cyanogenic compounds, which can be neutralized by cooking. Finally, the leaves and branches of the black elderberry are also used to prepare extracts with natural insecticidal properties.