The Elderberry Tree

The Elder Mother
Gives berries of deepest black
Rich on carmine stems.

Beneficent she,
But fear her wrath if you dare,
Cut the Elder tree.

Long a favourite tree of mine. The gorgeous "green" smell of the leaves, the foamy elderflowers used for cordial and wine, the rich red berries used for wine, jam, pies and medicinal purposes. The berries must be cooked or they can be poisonous.

Superstition has it that an Elderberry tree protects against witches and evil spirits, and that if you cut one down you leave yourself open to their mischief.

"Elder be ye Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed ye'll be"

The wood from the tree can be used, but you must ask permission of the Elder Mother first by reciting this rhyme before you cut:

"Old girl, give me some of thy wood and I will give thee some of mine when I grow into a tree."

Other useless facts about elderberry trees:

The Italian liqueur Sambuca is flavoured with oil obtained from the elderflower.

Hollowed elderberry twigs have traditionally been used as spiles to tap maple trees for syrup.

Black elderberry has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Some preliminary studies demonstrate that elderberry may have a measurable effect in treating the flu, alleviating allergies, and boosting overall respiratory health.

Elder is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, dissolved in wine, for rheumatism and traumatic injury.

Branches from the elder are also used to make the fujara, koncovka and other uniquely Slovakian flutes.

The pith of elder has been used by watchmakers for cleaning tools before intricate work.

So be respectful next time you pass one in the hedgerow.....