Across Europe, elder trees were believed to be watched over by a guardian spirit, and harvesters followed careful customs to avoid offending her.

Before refrigeration, elderflower vinegar was a clever way to capture the scent of spring and use it in cooking, medicine, and household cleaning.

Across Europe, the elder was never just a tree — it was a guardian spirit, a healer, and a warning, all wrapped in one gnarled bark.