21/05/2026
Really enjoyed making elderflower fritters today, with some dandelion honey and bee honey drizzled on them...mmm
Love this post sharing some interesting facts about elderflower and Elder...
We’ve been noticing (and smelling!) the Elderflowers starting to emerge in the hedgerows and woodlands.
We thought we’d share some cool facts we have found out about them:
= ) It is thought that the common English name ‘Elder’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon word ' æld', meaning fire, because the hollow stems were used to blow air into the centre of a fire.
= ) Elder likes soils with high Nitrogen levels, so often flourishes around rabbit warrens and badger setts.
= ) In Scandinavian folklore, the tree was linked to a crone-like figure, the dryad ‘Hydemoer, the Elder Mother. She could grant powers of protection, but Elder wood was not to be harvested without her permission, or she would take revenge!
= ) An old folklore of Denmark believes that anyone who stood under an Elder tree on Midsummer’s Eve would see the King of Fairyland ride past.
= ) The hollow stems of Elder have been used by children for centuries to make pop guns, pea shooters, whistles and more
= ) Elder’s healing properties have been celebrated for centuries. It has been referred to as ‘the medicine chest of the country people’ It’s leaves have been used to keep insects at bay and treat bruises and sprains. It’s flowers were used to lower fevers both the flowers and berries fight off colds and flus. Scientific studies show that the dark pigments in the berries (anthocyanins) are packed with antioxidants, giving the fruit potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties
= ) Elder is poisonous. All green parts, seeds and uncooked berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause severe nausea or vomiting if consumed. Cooking the berries breaks down these toxins.
What do you love about Elder? Do share in the comments below!👇👇👇
