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.
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.
