sambucus

The dried flowers of S. canadensis or S. nigra (family Caprifoliaceae), the common elder or black elder; slightly laxative. SYN: elder, elder flowers. [L. an elder-tree]

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sam·bu·cus sam-'b(y)ü-kəs n

1) cap a genus of trees or shrubs of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) that bear flat clusters of small white or pink flowers and that include the elderberries

2) the dried flowers of either of two elderberries (Sambucus canadensis or S. nigra) formerly used esp. in the form of an infusion as a mild stimulant, carminative, and diaphoretic but of little medicinal effect

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Sam·bu·cus (sam-booґkus) the elders, a genus of flowering berry-producing trees of Europe and North America. The most common species are S. canadenґsis L. of North America and S. niґgra L. (Caprifoliaceae). Their berries (elderberries) contain a volatile oil that has been used to treat wounds, burns, and ulcers and as a laxative and diuretic; animals eating large amounts may have toxic reactions and diarrhea.