Chapter 241

Elder-flower.Sambucus Canadensis.

Found along meadow hedgerows, blossoming in June and July.

A bush, from 5 to 10 feet high; it is woody, and branching, with a white pith, and gray bark.

The large compound leaf has from 8 to 10 pairs of leaflets, with an odd one at the end; the taper-pointed leaflet has a notched margin, a smooth surface, and a rather thin texture; the color is a full green, lighter beneath.

The small 5-parted flower has 5 stamens and 1 pistil, and a minute calyx; it is cream-white, and grows in wide, spreading, flat-topped clusters, on the ends of the branches.

The round, reddish-black berries ripen in August and September; they were used by our foremothers to make a spicy wine. In the wild hedgerow the big creamy clusters are most effective, but when picked the little flower-wheels soon scatter.


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