What is Elder Flower?

Elder Flower is the dried flower of Sambucus nigra, the European Black Elder, a tree in the Adoxaceae family. The flowers are harvested in late spring and early summer, before the tree develops the dark elderberries that come later in the season.

About the plant

The elder tree produces large flat umbels of small cream-white flowers with a sweet floral fragrance carrying subtle muscat and citrus notes. Across European folk tradition the flowers are the base of elderflower cordial, a sweet floral syrup, and of elderflower "champagne," and they lend their character to the commercial liqueur St. Germain. Elder flowers and elderberries come from the same tree but have distinct flavors and uses.

Related herbs

• Elderberry Whole — the dried berries of the same tree.
• Elderberry Powder — the ground berries.

Elder Flower: form & sizes

We carry Elder Flower as whole dried flower clusters, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Elder Flower in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Elder Flower at a glance

Botanical name

Sambucus nigra

Family

Adoxaceae

Native region

Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa

Plant part

flowers

Also known as

European Elder, Black Elder

Form

whole dried flower clusters

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb