A European saying,"Tip your hat to the elder," reminds us that this useful plant deserves a great deal of respect. Elder (Sambucus sp.). Elder is a deciduous shrub that blooms in late spring and early summer, with creamy, sweet-smelling, saucer-shaped flower clusters. Everything about this plant is useful, from root to twig-tip. It has traditionally been used as a liniment, salve, and antiseptic, and as a diuretic and purgative. Modern research suggests that it also has anti-viral and antioxidant properties. And some gardeners believe that it has anti-caterpillar properties as well. Try it in your garden by spraying a strong elder-leaf tea on plants threatened by hungry leaf-munchers.