Elder is found widely in North America and in Europe.  It grows up to 10m in height with a trunk-diameter of up to 30cm. The bark is light grey in color when young but changes to coarse grey as it ages.  It has feathery leaves and tiny, cream scented flowers which are borne in summer, followed by black berries.

The bark, leaves, flowers and berries are all used for medicinal purposes.  Elder is bitter, pungent, with diuretic and anti-mucus properties.  The leaves and bark are used externally to treat minor burns and chilblains.  The flowers are effective to cure sore eyes, irritated and inflamed skin, mouth ulcers and minor injuries.  These are used to lower fever, reduce inflammation and sooth irritation also.  The fruits are used for their analgesic effects, as well as for their laxative and diaphoretic properties.