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AFAIK it's very low grade weak stuff. Barely wood at all.

(edit: But elderflower cordial diluted with fizzy water is stunningly good IMO)

Elder wood does have some uses, it is perfect for creating homemade turntable unipivot tonearms, since it grows straight, has a hollow core and is very stiff when dry.

Huh! And light weight. Actually makes sense too.

The things you learn here...

Incidentally, reminded me, I'd heard opuntia spines (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia AKA prickly pear) were used for the needles waaaay back. Can't find a ref but heard it on a TV program. FYI.

Edit: can't play this but see if this is informative https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxuPDTlIofY "Making Phonograph Needles from a Cactus"

I know the flavor of elderberry. I was just surprised by there existing folklore for collecting elder wood. In my experience, elderberries grow on a bush that isn't much good for anything other than being a garden plant.

My understanding is that elderberry is not really the elder referred to in European folk stories.

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