This past weekend marked a milestone here at Dobermanor Farms—our very first harvest of native elderberries (Sambucus canadensis). What began as an overgrown corner of the property, cleared out last Fall, has now become a thriving elderberry patch. With baskets full of glossy purple berries, we are carrying on a tradition that spans generations, cultures, and continents.

🌿 Botanical Profile

Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis
Family: Adoxaceae
Growth Habit: Deciduous shrub, 5–12 ft tall
Leaves: Opposite, pinnate, serrated edges
Flowers: Creamy-white umbels, blooming late spring–early summer
Fruit: Deep purple-black berries, ripening late summer

Native to North America, elderberry thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is commonly found along fencerows, woodland edges, and stream banks across the eastern and central U.S.—including our own land here in Alabama.

*American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra* L. ssp. *canadensis*) *growing at Dobermanor Farms in NE Alabama.*

🌿 A Plant of History and Tradition

Native American Uses

Elderberry was treasured by tribes such as the Cherokee and Iroquois:

Medicinal teas from berries and flowers supported fevers, colds, and coughs.
Poultices of bark and leaves (never taken internally) were applied for swelling and skin ailments.
The hollow stems were crafted into flutes, blowguns, and pipes—earning elder its nickname, the "pipe tree."

European Folklore

Across the Atlantic, Sambucus nigra (European elder) was revered as a sacred, protective tree:

Believed to house the "Elder Mother" spirit; cutting the tree without permission was considered bad luck.
Elderflowers and berries were used in cordials, wines, and tonics.
Associated with healing, protection, and seasonal transitions.

🌿 Nutritional & Phytochemical Riches

Elderberries are packed with beneficial compounds:

Anthocyanins – powerful antioxidants responsible for the rich purple color, linked to immune and cardiovascular support【NIH PMC】.
Flavonols (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol) – support circulation and overall wellness【NIH PMC】.
Phenolic acids – provide anti-inflammatory and protective effects【NIH PMC】.
Vitamin C – supports immune function【NIH PMC】.
Minerals – including potassium, iron, and phosphorus.
Dietary Fiber – supports healthy digestion.

️ Safety Note: Raw elderberries, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting, or digestive upset if consumed raw. Proper cooking, drying, or fermentation neutralizes these compounds and makes elderberry safe for use【NIH PMC】.

Nutritional & Phytochemical components of Elderberry

🌿 Culinary Uses

Here at Dobermanor Farms, we’re excited to transform our harvest into small-batch creations that have both culinary uses and medicinal value, including:

🍜 Elderberry Syrup – simmered with ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, and mandarin peel, then finished with raw local honey.
🌿 Elderberry Tinctures – long-lasting herbal extracts made with carefully diluted alcohol.
🍬 Elderberry Gummies – a sweet, kid-friendly way to enjoy this seasonal wellness ally.
🍵️ Teas & Infusions – dried elderflowers and berries blended with herbs like lemon balm, mint, and chamomile.

Elderberries also shine in jams, jellies, syrups, and baked goods, offering a deep, tart flavor and a boost of antioxidants.

🌿 Medicinal Wisdom

Modern research supports what traditional cultures long understood: elderberry is a powerful ally for wellness.

Immune Support: Elderberry extract may help reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu【Cochrane Review, 2021】.
Antiviral Properties: Compounds in elderberry inhibit influenza A & B replication in lab studies【Journal of International Medical Research】.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Respiratory Comfort: Traditionally used for coughs, sore throats, and congestion.

“This plant of God heals anything it touches.”

— Attributed to Hippocrates, often regarded as the “Father of Medicine,” reflecting his high regard for elderberry’s healing versatility. (cited from The Health Hutt blog summarizing historical references)

🌿 Elderberry at Dobermanor Farms

Our elderberry patch is a gift from the land itself. After we cleared a dense thicket, the native *Sambucus canadensis* reemerged, thriving in its natural habitat. We now tend these resilient shrubs with care, harvesting their blossoms in May and June for teas, and their berries in late August and September for syrups, tinctures, and gummies.
Every jar and bottle we craft carries not only the flavor and vitality of elderberry, but also the story of renewal, tradition, and the bond between land, plants, and people. For us, elderberry isn’t just an herb—it’s a living reminder that resilience and healing can flourish when we nurture what nature has already provided.

Stay tuned as we share our **new elderberry syrup, tinctures, and gummies at the storefront** and don’t miss part 2 of our **blog deep dive into the history, folklore, and uses of elderberry.**

🌿 Sources & Further Reading

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2021). Elderberry for the treatment of viral respiratory illness.
Porter, R. S., Bode, R. F. (2017). A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) and Its Constituents. Journal of International Medical Research, 45(5), 1498-1508.
USDA Plants Database – Sambucus canadensis: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SACA13

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided by Dobermanor Farms is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Herbs naturally contain a variety of chemical compounds, and their potency may vary depending on how they are grown, harvested, extracted, and processed. These compounds may interact with medications or cause sensitivities in some individuals. Always consult your physician before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs.

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🌿 Elderberry: From Wild Harvest to Farm Apothecary