fuel in the hearth


Elder is, perhaps, the worst choice for firewood, but superstition prevents many people from even considering to try and burn elder. Elder is said to be the tree where the Hag or Cailleach resides. To bring Elder into a home and burn it is said to bring the curse of death into the home.

Splitting?

Quite awkward to split due to knots and being springy

Igniting?

Usually needs other wood kindling to fire it up as the wood tends to smoulder at first

Sparking?

No sparking

Smoking?

Does smoke a lot, often thick black smoke, and possibly the cause of the Hag mythology.

Heat Quality?

Very poor heat and it burns very quickly. Best to totally avoid this wood as a wood fuel

Fragrance?

Not pleasant, like a carcass incinerator smell



to read about Elder used in celebration and divining, please click here