My notes on this same subject- growing elderberry, making tincture:
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making tinctures:
http://utut.essortment.com/howtotincture_rzwl.htm
<http://www.healmarketplace.com/herbs/tincture.html>
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Identifying, transplanting, growing elderberry:
http://www.kcweb.com/herb/elderberry.htm
The American elder (canadensis) , also known as Elderberry, is small tree
that grows to 12 feet and is native to North America.
The European elder (nigra) grows to 30 feet, is found throughout Europe,
Asia, North Africa, and has been naturalized in the United States.
The tree has been called "the medicine chest of the common people.
The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in
traditional folk medicine for centuries. The fruits have been used to
make elderberry wine, and when cooked, can be used in pies and jams.
The berries contain more vitamin C than any other herb except
rosehips and black currant.
The elder also has a rich background of cultural superstitions.
In the Middle Ages legends held that tree was home to witches and
that cutting down one would bring on the wrath of those residing in the branches.
The Russians and the English believe that elder trees ward off evil
spirits and it was considered good luck to plant a tree near your home.
Sicilians think that sticks of elder wood can kill serpents and drive away thieves.
This herb has a long history dating beyond the stone ages.
Egyptians discovered that applying its flowers improved the complexion
and healed burns. Many early Indian tribes used elderberry, and its
variants, in teas and other beverages. In the 17th century the British
often drank home made wine and cordials that was thought to prolong
life and cure the common cold.
The berries from the elder contain a considerable amount of
vitamins A, B and C, as well as flavonoids, sugar, tannins, carotenoids
and amino acids. Warm elderberry wine is a remedy for sore throat,
influenza and induces perspiration to reverse the effects of a chill.
The juice from the berries is an old fashioned cure for colds, and is
also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.
Infusions of the fruit are beneficial for nerve disorders, back pain,
and have been used to reduce inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder.
Raw berries have laxative and diuretic properties, however the seeds are
toxic and may induce vomiting and nausea. Elderberries are edible when cooked.
Elder leaves contain the flavonoids rutin and quercertin, alkaloids,
vitamin C and sambunigrin, a cyanogenic glucoside. Fresh elder leaves
also contain hydrocyanic acid, cane sugar, invertin, betulin, free fatty
acids, and a considerable quantity of potassium nitrate. Elder flowers and
elder flower water have been used in a variety of ways topically and as
a tonic mixture.
Elder flowers are a mild astringent and are used in skin washes to refine
the complexion and help relieve eczema, acne and psoriasis. Flower water
makes a soothing gargle and when strained makes an excellent eye wash.
The leaves and flowers are a common ingredient in ointments and poultices
for burns and scalds, swelling, cuts and scrapes. Infusions and
preparations with the blossoms combined with other herbs have also been
used to quicken recovery form the common cold and flu.
Parts Used: Bark, leaves, flowers, berries.
Common Use: Topically for infections, inflammations and swelling. As a
wash for skin healing and complexion purification. As a tea and cordial
to sooth sore throats, speed recovery from cold and flu and relieve respiratory
distress. Cooked and used in jams and conserves.
Care: Prefers sandy or loamy soil rich in humus and nitrogen. Full sun or partial shade.
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http://www.herbalmusings.com/elderberry.htm
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Family: Caprifoliaceae
Common names: Bore Tree
History: A fragrant flowering tree, Elder gets its name form the
Anglo-Saxon word aeld to mean "fire." The soft pith of young elder branches
is easily removed, leaving a hollow tube or pipe. Presumably, these tubes
were once used to blow on a fire in order to encourage the flames.
But these pipes were also representative of early toys and musical
instruments still popular today - pop-guns, flutes and whistles.
Culpepper referenced the familiarity of elder when he wrote, "It is
needless to write any description of this [Elder], since every boy that
plays with a pop-gun will not mistake another tree for the Elder."
Elder wood has long been revered for its quality and strength. The
tree is also graced with mystical powers and many ancient superstitions
are associated with it. Judas reputedly repented his traitorous acts by
hanging from an elder. The Dutch believed that elder trees were home to
Hylde-Moer, or the Elder Mother, who hid among the branches. It was
considered unwise to cut the wood of elder without first securing
permission from Hylde-Moer. To do so would result in the tree spirit
haunting whatever object the wood was obtained to make, as well as
the humans that harbored it. There is also a persistent belief that
the Cross of Calvary was made of elder, as an old rhyme relates:
'Bour tree-Bour tree: crooked rong
Never straight and never strong;
Ever bush and never tree
Since our Lord was nailed on thee."
Medicinally, elder has been used for bruises, purging, to
deter insects, as an eye wash and to treat colds and flu for centuries.
Of these applications, the last holds particularly veritable promise.
In fact, elderberry is one of the most important remedies to be found
in your medicine chest when it comes to beating the sniffles.
In the 1980s, virologist Madeline Mumcuoglu, Ph.D., set out to determine
by what mechanism elderberry successfully defeats the flu. She found
that the action of elderberry extract was to prevent viral hemagglutinin,
or the process of the invading cells using their spike-like projections
to introduce its enzyme into healthy cell membranes. She further noted
that the viral enzyme is also neutralized in the presence of elderberry extract.
Constituents: rutin and quercertin (flavonoids), vitamin C, anthocyanins
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http://www.inberry.com/elderberry.html
Elderberries
York & Nova--Elderberries are easily adapted to a wide variety of soils
ranging from sandy to clay loams. Only poorly drained soils should be avoided.
Open fields with full sunlight located away from wooded and other obstruction
allowing for ample air movement will decrease negative pressure from
insects, disease and bird problems.
Although Elderberries are partially self fruitful, fruit production will
increase significantly with cross pollination. Planting sites should be
cover cropped or clean tilled one year prior to planting to eliminate
weed pressure during establishment. Dormant plants should be set in early
spring at the same depth as grown in the nursery. Plants should be
placed 5' to 6' apart in rows which are 10' to 13' apart.
Be sure to water new planting thoroughly.
No fertilizer is needed the first year assuming there is a good fertility
level prior to planting--and in following years only small amounts are
needed to maintain maximum growth and production.
Do not over fertilize Elderberry plantings.
Elderberry fruit ripens from mid-August to mid-September depending on
location and variety. Entire fruit clusters are picked and stripped
later when you are able to freeze or process. The fruit is fragile
and every attempt should be made to minimize the time between
harvesting, stripping and processing. Produces 25-35 lbs. per bush.
PRICES:
$4.75 ea. 3 for $13.50 10 for $42.50
To order call Toll Free:
1-800-295-2226
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http://www.nuyakacreek.com/elderberry.htm
Elderberry - The Medicine Chest of the Common People
The Elderberry is one of the most common fruit-bearing shrubs of North America.
To the Indians and American settlers, it was considered "the medicine chest of
the common people". Oklahoma boys on farms would poke the pith centers from
elder stems to make tubes for whistles, bean shooters, and elderberry popguns
(see sidebar). I've heard that the Ojibwe or Chippewa name for this amazing
plant meant "popgun wood". Today, elderberry is equally valuable to our
growing Oklahoma winery industry.
Its tiny yellow and white blossoms do not appear until June or July when
the days are very long. The flowers are followed by little berries that
become deep purple or black, filled with crimson juice, when they
ripen...usually around August or September.
How to make Elderberry Popguns
The Barrel
Select a long straight stalk at least one foot in length, and then
work to pull and push out the spoungy center. This is the barrel.
The Ramrod
Next make a ramrod out of a piece of hickory. On the one end, leave
the bark on for a large handle of about three inches.
Then cut (real kids whittle) the rest of the hickory into a long
round stick-like section, slightly smaller in diameter than the barrel.
The Ammo
Take a piece of paper, soak it in water (real kids chaw their own paper,
on the spot) and make a wad which you insert into the end of the
barrel so that it's fairly tight.
A second wad is then inserted into the opposite end.
Firing
With one swift shove of the Ramrod, the air between the wads is compressed
to such a high degree that the first wad fires out with a satisfying bang!
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/facts/95-005.htm
Title: Elderberries for Home Gardens
Division:
Agriculture and Rural
History:
Written by: Kevin Schooley - Fruit andVegetable Crop Specialist/OMAF
Table of Contents
1. Site
2. Soil Preparation
3. Plants
4. Planting Distances
5. Setting Plants
6. Care of Planting
7. Cultivars
8. Propagation
9. Diseases
10. Pests
The common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a shrub which grows wild
in much of southern Ontario as well as many areas in eastern North America.
Elderberry is not a significant commercial crop, but is commonly grown
in home gardens.
The common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Figure 1. The common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Elderberry is popular for its purple black fruit which is used in pies,
wines, jellies, jams, juices and soup (Figure 1). It can also be used
as a natural colour in food products. Elderberry blossoms are also
used in wine making or can be deep fried. Elderberry is an ornamental
as well as a fruit plant, with its spectacular fragrant flowers and attractive fruits.
Site
In its natural habitat, the elderberry is commonly found on fertile,
moist soils. Under cultivation, it is tolerant to a wide range of soil
conditions, but grows best on well-drained loam soils. Good soil
drainage should be considered in site selection. An open field located
away from woods allows free air movement, reducing disease problems,
frost and potential insect and bird damage.
Soil Preparation
Elderberries are a perennial crop that require proper soil preparation
before planting. A soil test will help determine existing nutrient levels
and ultimately the suitability of the site. On sandy soils or soils low
in fertility, organic matter such as manure or peat should be incorporated
prior to planting to increase moisture retention and provide nutrients.
The site should be cultivated and properly drained prior to planting.
Eradication of perennial weeds prior to planting by cultivation and/or
herbicides will help improve plant establishment. On heavy or poorly
drained soils, plant vigour may be improved by planting on raised beds.
Plants
Elderberry plants should be disease free. Although elderberries are
tolerant to improper conditions, care should be taken to prevent
roots from drying out before planting.
All elderberry cultivars are considered partially self-fruitful.
Cross-pollination increases fruit production, therefore two or more
cultivars should be planted in close proximity.
Planting Distances
Planting distances of 1 metre in the row and 4-5 metres between rows
will establish a hedgerow within three growing seasons. In home
gardens, plants may be closer together with at least 2 metres
between plants in any direction.
Setting Plants
Planting should be done in early spring. The depth at which elderberry
plants are set may vary as long as the roots are well covered and the
soil firmly packed. It is suggested, however, to set them at the same
depth as grown in the nursery. Watering at or immediately following
planting will improve initial root establishment and subsequent plant growth.
Care of Planting
Weed Control/Mulching
Weeds may be suppressed by shallow, careful cultivation in rows and
between plants. Mulch such as straw, sawdust, or well composted
material around the plants may also help control weeds. A hedgerow
of vigorous elderberry plants will help suppress weeds. Perennial
weeds such as quackgrass and goldenrod are difficult to control
within the hedgerow and should be eliminated prior to planting or
as they appear within the planting.
Irrigation
Elderberry plants need approximately 25 mm of water each week from
bloom time to the end of harvest. If rainfall is lacking, plants
should be irrigated for optimum plant growth and fruit production.
Plants should also be watered if prolonged dry periods occur after harvest.
Pruning
During the first two seasons plants should be encouraged to grow
vigorously with little to no pruning required. After the second year,
pruning should be done annually in early spring. All dead, broken and
weak canes should be removed. Three-year-old canes should be removed
as they produce less fruit and appear to be more prone to winter injury.
Removal of older canes will encourage the growth of new, more fruitful canes.
Mowing of all the canes in a mature planting may be a method of reducing
labour costs while encouraging growth of new canes. The disadvantage of
this system is that there is a loss of production in the season following
mowing as there is limited production on the one-year-old canes.
Harvesting
Elderberry fruits normally mature between mid-August and mid-September.
Clusters ripen over a period of 5-15 days and are easy to harvest.
Fruit in containers should not be held at room temperature for more
than 2-4 hours as internal heating reduces quality and causes rapid spoilage.
Yields of 12-15 lbs. (5.5-6.8 kg) of fruit can be expected per plant
in 3-4 years if managed properly.
Cultivars
Several cultivars have been tested and grown. Below is a list of some
of the more reliable cultivars along with some of their attributes:
NY21 - moderately vigorous, productive with large clusters and fruit
Johns - vigorous, productive with very tall plants with the largest
fruit clusters (good ornamental value)
York - Late maturing, vigorous, productive with large berries and clusters
Victoria - moderately vigorous with medium-size berries and clusters
Adams - Vigorous large fruited, late maturing.
Propagation
Elderberries are easily propagated from hardwood or softwood cuttings,
root cuttings, or suckers. Dormant hardwood cuttings with two or more nodes
can be taken from one-year-old canes in early spring and set directly in
nursery rows or their permanent location. Fall cuttings from one-year-old
canes can be used also. Fall cuttings can be wrapped in plastic to reduce
moisture loss and stored in a cool dark place until spring. Cuttings should
be set in soil so that only the top pair of buds are above the soil surface.
Diseases
Tomato Ringspot Virus is among the most serious diseases affecting elderberries.
It is spread by nematodes and through pollen transfer. Dandelions and some
other weeds can also carry this virus. It results in weakened plants,
reduced productivity and eventually plant death. To control the virus,
the soil should be tested for nematodes prior to planting, and fumigated
if necessary. Wild elderberry plants within an area of 100 ft. (31 metres)
surrounding cultivated plants should be eradicated also.
Stem and twig cankers (Cytospora, Nectria, and Sphaeropsis) are among the
fungus diseases which can be controlled by pruning and burning of
infected canes. Powdery mildew can affect canes and berries in late
summer and early fall. It results in a grey appearance on the berries,
but does not lower the quality of the juice. Leaf spotting fungi,
thread blight, root rots, and Verticillium are among the less common diseases.
Pests
Birds are the major pest affecting elderberries. They eat the fruits,
and can be a serious problem in small plantings. Control measures
include noise cannons, distress calls and prompt harvesting of ripe
fruit, but the most effective means is netting.
Elder Shoot Borer
The larva is yellowish white with a double row of black dots across
each body segment and a black head. It feeds inside the stem and may
cause substantial dieback and loss of canes. Infested and dead canes
should be cut out in the fall to destroy overwintering eggs.
The adult is a moth with rust red forewings mottled with grey and
yellowish grey hind wings.
Sap Beetles
Adult beetles are 5 mm in length, black with four yellow spots on
the elytra. The beetles become a problem when fruit is damaged or
overmature, as they are attracted by fermenting sugars.
Sap beetle larvae can also be a problem. As the blooms form larvae
will tunnel into the base of the bloom and feed in the centre
of the flower cluster.
Eriophyid Mites
These tiny mites, visible only under microscope, attack the leaves
and cause the edges to roll and yellow bands to appear.
They can be controlled by dormant sprays, but their damage is
normally not serious.
Other Insects
The adult beetles of the elder borer are present during June
and July and cause notches on elderberry leaves. Two-spotted spider
mites also affect the elder and can reduce the crop by 75% when the
numbers are high. Additional insects include aphids, potato flea
beetles, grape mealy bugs, thrips, San Jose scale, currant borer and rose chafer.
Acknowledgement: Thanks to G. Kis who helped in the preparation of this Factsheet.
For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
Email:
ag.info@omaf.gov.on.ca
