elderwood

Elderwood is a term used to describe two related but distinct concepts: the wood of elder trees, and, in fiction and place-naming, a grove or forest with historical or mythical associations. In botany, elderwood refers to timber derived from species in the genus Sambucus, most commonly the European elder (Sambucus nigra) and the North American elder (Sambucus canadensis). The wood is generally pale, relatively soft, and easy to work, making it suitable for small handicrafts, carving, and tool handles. The tree itself is known for its clusters of white flowers and dark berries, which are used in foods and traditional medicines in various cultures.

In European folklore, elder trees are often linked with protection, healing, and magical properties. Some traditions hold that the elder should not be cut or pruned at certain times, and that elder wood should be treated with respect. While these beliefs are folkloric, they reflect a long cultural association between the tree and ritual use.

Outside botany, Elderwood appears in fantasy literature, games, and brand names as a fictional woodland or as a description of enchanted timber. In novels and role-playing settings, Elderwood environments are imagined as ancient, often sentient forests that host woodland creatures, spirits, or artifacts. Some works depict elderwood as a rare material with magical properties, such as durability or enchantment.