Post by jadedsage on May 11, 2004 13:08:23 GMT -5
American and European elders are steeped in folklore
By MAUREEN GILMER
It is considered a monument to the English outhouse. It's not surprising that the Sambucus nigra plants, commonly known as elder, survives long after the "loo" has disappeared.
They were also planted around dairies, slaughterhouses and kitchen doors - anywhere flies congregate. Why? Because elder is a natural fly repellent. Farmers even tied sprigs of the plant to their plow horses' harness to keep flies out of the animals' eyes.
This European species and its American counterpart, Sambucus Canadensis, are steeped in history and folklore. They're best known as the source of homemade elderberry wine. Most parts of the plant were once considered medicinal but were dropped from the pharmacopeia due to unproven benefits and potential toxicity. This use may have stemmed from the belief that elder has magic powers both to empower witches and to ward them off.
While the American elder is grown by only the most devoted native plant devotees, the European species has long been used in gardens. It is a large shrub or small tree. June flower clusters feature wide flattened heads of cream blooms with distinctive fragrance. These are followed by shiny black berries from which the wine, jams and other confections are made. These fruits also make elder a first class habitat plant, feeding a host of birds and other wildlife.
The most garden-worthy cultivars were developed from the European Sambucus nigra. These offer vivid color that is becoming a standout in the contemporary landscape. Cold-hardy down to Zone 3, they are useful in northern gardens where fast growth and a rugged constitution are most welcome.
The golden elder, Sambucus nigra "Aurea," was introduced in 1883. Its new growth is bright lime-green, gracefully darkening as it ages rendering a pleasing range of hues. Use it to play off of other dark foliage accents or backgrounds such as coniferous evergreens and hedges. Plants make a bright back-of-the-border accent highly visible from a distance.
The elder got a big shot in the arm recently when a new cultivar, "Black Beauty," came on the scene. This is a truly extraordinary plant with dark black foliage that is particularly striking when bounced off gold foliage plants such as Sambucus "Aurea." Even more fabulous in bloom, the huge flower clusters are bright pink and stand out dramatically against the dark leaves. Blooms appear in June and are deliciously lemon-scented, so be sure to grow them near windows and doors to appreciate this fragrance - and to discourage flies.
After many years of breeding in England, a vigorous black foliage elder proved elusive. Black Beauty was finally introduced by Ken Tobutt and Jacqui Prevette at the East Malling Research Station in England. This exceptional plant is just now reaching our retail garden centers, but it's in high demand, so be sure to place orders early before stock is limited. Slightly less hardy than its predecessors, it survives in Zone 4, growing 8-12 feet tall at maturity. This makes a sizeable specimen, a great foundation plant, natural hedge or border background.
Elder is an ancient plant with folklore tied to cultures throughout the western world. Oddly enough, it was considered unlucky to cut elder wood and even worse to bring it indoors. But English botanists believe this was a means of protecting the elder population from overharvest. A healing plant with useful wood, leaf, flower and root, was a natural treasure upon which every poor plowman's family depended.
During much of the last century, Sambucus nigra has been hidden in the mists of time, gathering its strength for rebirth. With the new appreciation for its vigor and color, Black Beauty has re-invented itself, demanding a brand new respect for our elders.
By MAUREEN GILMER
It is considered a monument to the English outhouse. It's not surprising that the Sambucus nigra plants, commonly known as elder, survives long after the "loo" has disappeared.
They were also planted around dairies, slaughterhouses and kitchen doors - anywhere flies congregate. Why? Because elder is a natural fly repellent. Farmers even tied sprigs of the plant to their plow horses' harness to keep flies out of the animals' eyes.
This European species and its American counterpart, Sambucus Canadensis, are steeped in history and folklore. They're best known as the source of homemade elderberry wine. Most parts of the plant were once considered medicinal but were dropped from the pharmacopeia due to unproven benefits and potential toxicity. This use may have stemmed from the belief that elder has magic powers both to empower witches and to ward them off.
While the American elder is grown by only the most devoted native plant devotees, the European species has long been used in gardens. It is a large shrub or small tree. June flower clusters feature wide flattened heads of cream blooms with distinctive fragrance. These are followed by shiny black berries from which the wine, jams and other confections are made. These fruits also make elder a first class habitat plant, feeding a host of birds and other wildlife.
The most garden-worthy cultivars were developed from the European Sambucus nigra. These offer vivid color that is becoming a standout in the contemporary landscape. Cold-hardy down to Zone 3, they are useful in northern gardens where fast growth and a rugged constitution are most welcome.
The golden elder, Sambucus nigra "Aurea," was introduced in 1883. Its new growth is bright lime-green, gracefully darkening as it ages rendering a pleasing range of hues. Use it to play off of other dark foliage accents or backgrounds such as coniferous evergreens and hedges. Plants make a bright back-of-the-border accent highly visible from a distance.
The elder got a big shot in the arm recently when a new cultivar, "Black Beauty," came on the scene. This is a truly extraordinary plant with dark black foliage that is particularly striking when bounced off gold foliage plants such as Sambucus "Aurea." Even more fabulous in bloom, the huge flower clusters are bright pink and stand out dramatically against the dark leaves. Blooms appear in June and are deliciously lemon-scented, so be sure to grow them near windows and doors to appreciate this fragrance - and to discourage flies.
After many years of breeding in England, a vigorous black foliage elder proved elusive. Black Beauty was finally introduced by Ken Tobutt and Jacqui Prevette at the East Malling Research Station in England. This exceptional plant is just now reaching our retail garden centers, but it's in high demand, so be sure to place orders early before stock is limited. Slightly less hardy than its predecessors, it survives in Zone 4, growing 8-12 feet tall at maturity. This makes a sizeable specimen, a great foundation plant, natural hedge or border background.
Elder is an ancient plant with folklore tied to cultures throughout the western world. Oddly enough, it was considered unlucky to cut elder wood and even worse to bring it indoors. But English botanists believe this was a means of protecting the elder population from overharvest. A healing plant with useful wood, leaf, flower and root, was a natural treasure upon which every poor plowman's family depended.
During much of the last century, Sambucus nigra has been hidden in the mists of time, gathering its strength for rebirth. With the new appreciation for its vigor and color, Black Beauty has re-invented itself, demanding a brand new respect for our elders.