Elder, also known as Boor Tree and Black Elder, is a deciduous shrub
native to Europe, Asia and Africa. While the fruits provide food for
wildlife, the leaves and flowers are used to make elderberry wine and
other beverages, as well as soothing syrups. Elder flower is also an
ingredient in natural hair and skin products, prepared either as infused
oil or a water infusion.
According to the legend, cutting the bush is unwise unless first
obtaining permission from the Elder Mother, a dryad or tree nymph who is
said to reside in the heart of the small tree. For extra insurance,
reciting “Elder Mother, please give me some wood, and I’ll give you some
of mine when I grow into a tree” three times bore making a cut is sure
to appease the tree spirit.
The Elder Mother is the subject of Hans Christian Andersen's "Hyldemoer,” a
classic tale in which a young Danish boy, who gets his feet wet and catches
cold, dreams of “sailing into the warmer countries” after sampling two cups
of elder flower tea. It is also said that falling asleep under an elder bush
in flower is to risk waking up in Fairyland.
