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Elderberry
The Elderberry bush, growing up to 30 feet tall is found next to
rocks, walls in wet areas. The berries can be made into a delicious
wine or jam and can produce an excellent tasting fruit when dried.
Medicinally, elderberry has been used for many common ailments such as coughs and colds. It is also used as a mild laxative or to
promote sweating. A skin lotion is still sold in some pharmacies.
The leave grow in opposite pairs and are pinnately compound.
Leaflets are toothed and oval, usually 5-7 per leaf. Small white
flowers bloom from June to July and form a cluster with either a
round top (which is the Red Elderberry) or a flat top (the Blue
Elderberry, which is the best). The berries when ripe in September,
turn a purple-black.
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"A prudent man does not make the goat his gardener."
- Hungarian Proverb
Shear evergreen hedges when new growth appears. Trim plants so the bottom is slightly wider than the top. This will help prevent the bottom branches from dying from lack of sun.
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