The Black Elder is a member to the Honeysuckle family, and can grow to a height of 33 feet. The sweet smelling, spicy but somewhat bitter tasting flowers produce blackish purple fruits with an aromatic, tart taste. The stalk and branches contain a white fluffy pulp. It is native to Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia. It thrives throughout lowland forests and along roads and fences and is very often found in farmhouse gardens.
Some people consider it to be a weed.
It is the flowers and berries that are used medicinally. The flowers need to be harvested as soon as the plant begins to bloom. Flowers- Pour about 1 cup of boiling water over 2 heaping tsp. of dried elder flowers. Strain after 10 min. Drink 1-2 cups of freshly prepared tea several times daily.