Elderberry vs Elderflower: What’s the Difference (and Do You Need Both?)
- Benjamin Machlitt
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
This is a question I hear more and more lately.
What’s the difference between elderberry and elderflower? Are they basically the same thing? And does it actually matter which one you’re using?
Short answer: They come from the same plant, but they’re used in different ways.
And once you understand that, it becomes a lot easier to choose what’s right for you.
What are elderberries and elderflowers?
Both of ours come from the same plant. The American Black Elderberry
Elderflowers are the small white flowers that bloom in early summer
Elderberries develop later in the season from those same flowers
We sell products using both elderberries and elderflowers. So it’s not two different plants. It’s just two different stages of the same plant.
What are elderberries typically used for?
Elderberries are what most people think of first.
They’ve been traditionally used to support the immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
They’re rich in antioxidants and have that deep, bold flavor most people associate with elderberry syrup.
This is usually what people reach for when they want something more concentrated and consistent as part of a daily routine.
What are elderflowers typically used for?
Elderflowers are a little different.
They’re much lighter in flavor and are traditionally used in ways that feel more calming and soothing.
You’ll often see elderflower used in:
teas (...we sell both elderberry and elderflower teas)
honeys (...we sell both elderberry and elderflower infused honeys)
skincare (yes, we also sell elderflower infused skincare with tallow!)
It’s known for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it especially helpful for soothing irritation, calming redness, and protecting the skin from everyday environmental stress.
It’s also rich in bioflavonoids that support skin tone and elasticity, which is why you’ll often see it included in natural products like creams and lip balms.
It’s one of those ingredients that works just as well on the outside as it does in a cup of tea.
So… do you need both?
Not necessarily, but they do work well together.
Think of it like this:
Elderberries → more about immune support and consistency
Elderflowers → more about calming, respiratory support, and balance
That’s why you’ll often see them combined in certain blends.
They’re not competing. They’re complementary.
How this shows up in real products
This is where it starts to make more sense in everyday use.
When elderberries make the most sense
If you’re looking for something more concentrated and consistent, elderberries are usually the way to go.
That’s why they’re most commonly used in:
syrups
more concentrated preparations
daily routines
When elderflowers make more sense
Elderflowers tend to show up more in blends designed for a specific feel or moment.
For example:
Evening or nighttime teas
Infused honey
Calming blends
Respiratory-focused teas
Skincare products like creams and lip balms
Read more about how the elderberry/flower combo supports healthy skin.
They’re less about intensity, and more about how the blend feels overall.
When they’re used together
This is where things get interesting.
My favorite thing to do is combine the two. For example, make an elderberry tea and add some elderflower-infused honey.
Combining elderberry and elderflower allows you to create something that:
supports the body
feels good to use
and fits into a specific moment (morning, evening, when you’re run down, or even in your skincare routine)
It’s less about one being better, and more about how they work together.
This is also why you’ll see different versions of both teas and honey.
Some are made with elderberries, others with elderflower, and they’re designed a little differently depending on how you’re meant to use them.
A tea with elderberries might be more focused on daily support, while an elderflower blend leans more toward calming or respiratory support. The same idea applies to infused honey. Some are made to be a simple way to add elderberry into your routine, while others are meant to be lighter and more soothing with elderflower.
One thing that matters more than people think
Whether you’re using elderberries or elderflowers, quality matters.
A lot of products on the market use imported or pre-processed ingredients, which can vary quite a bit.
We take a different approach.
We grow our own American elderberries right here on our farm in Northern Minnesota, and that gives us control over everything, from planting to harvest to drying.
That means better consistency, better flavor, and a product we actually stand behind.
Learn more about what makes our elderberry products so good: Do You Know Where Your Elderberries Come From? You Should!
So which one should you choose?
It really comes down to what you’re looking for.
If you want something more concentrated and routine-based → elderberry
If you want something lighter, calming, or blend-focused → elderflower
If you want both → look for blends that combine them
There’s no one right answer.
Just different ways to use the same plant.
Where to start
If you’re new to this:
Start with elderberry if you want something simple and consistent
Try elderflower blends if you’re looking for something more calming or targeted
Or use both in different ways throughout your routine
Once you understand the difference, it becomes a lot easier to use each one intentionally.
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