Sambuco, Chasing Clouds!
There are plants that seem to hold stories within them: the elderberry is one of them.
When it blooms, between May and July, its large white umbels appear along the edges of paths, near streams, in the woods, or by old country houses. From a distance , they look like light clouds appearing among the branches, but you only need to get closer to discover their intoxicating, almost magical scent.
For centuries, the elder tree has been considered a magical tree. The Celts and Druids believed that its wood had the power to ward off evil. They used its branches to make flutes, staffs, and wands; ancient legends even say that the famous elder wand belonged to the most powerful wizards. Does Merlin ring a bell? What about Albus Dumbledore?
How to recognize it
The elderberry is a large shrub that can grow as tall as a small tree, reaching up to 10 meters. Its crown is broad, soft, and full of branches.
The flowers are small and star-shaped, clustered in large, cream-white umbel-like inflorescences that resemble fluffy clouds. At the center of the small flowers are yellow anthers filled with pollen.
The leaves are oval and pointed, and grow side by side along the branch.
Later on, toward the end of summer, the fruits also appear: small berries that turn from green to dark purple, almost black, supported by reddish stems. Birds are particularly fond of them, especially the redstart.
But be careful: unripe berries should not be eaten because they can be toxic.
Where to look for it during your explorations
Elderberry thrives in damp areas. It can be found near streams, small waterways, and the edges of forests, but also next to old walls, in the countryside, and even among urban rubble.
It is found throughout most of Italy, at altitudes ranging from 0 to 1,400 meters, except in Apulia.
When you find it, try looking at it from a distance. Its flowers seem almost suspended in the air, and when the wind blows them, they look like little white clouds drifting among the greenery.
The meaning of the name
The name Sambucus appears to derive from the Greekword “sambike,”a musical instrument made from elderberry branches that have had their pith removed. Even today, in some parts of Italy, its wood is used to make bagpipes. According to some legends, the Queen of the Night from Mozart’s *The Magic Flute* also had a secret connection to this tree.
A Legend of Lake Segrino
Long ago, a fearsome green dragon lived in the waters of Lake Segrino. The creature would emerge from the lake and wreak havoc on the village of Galliano. In an attempt to appease it, the villagers first offered up their animals; then, in desperation, they decided to leave it up to fate to choose the name of a young man to be sacrificed.
Fate chose Cleodolinda, princess of Morchiuso. The girl was tied to an elderberry tree near the lake, while everyone waited for the beast to arrive.
Just then, Saint George arrived: the knight faced the dragon with his shining sword and picked some elderflowers from the large bush near the water.
Then something incredible happened: the scent of the flowers calmed the dragon, who slowly fell asleep and returned to the depths of the lake.
To commemorate that day, the court chef prepared a special dessert using elderflowers. And so Pan Meino was born.
What's it called in the local dialect?
The name for elderberry varies from valley to valley and from town to town.
In Brunate, it is known as ul sambùuch or la panigàda; in Caslio d’Erba, it is called panigada; and in Erba, panigàda. In Sormano, however, they call it al sambüüch panighet. For everyone else, it is simply sambüüch.
What about you?
Do you remember what your grandparents or great-grandparents used to call it? Ask your family and let us know.
When you find it…
When you come across an elderberry bush, take a moment to smell its flowers. If you take a good sniff, it can be a fun little game for kids: does it smell like honey? Like lemon? Does it remind you of a refreshing drink? That’s the beauty of elderberries: everyone’s nose picks up on a different scent.
Draw it in your passport and note down where you found it.
Happy exploring, explorers.
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