Elderberry

Elder or Elderberry (Sambucus) is a genus of fast-growing shrubs or small trees in the family Caprifoliaceae. They bear bunches of small white or cream coloured flowers in the spring, that are followed by bunches of small red, bluish or black berries. The berries are a very valuable food resource for many birds.

Common North American species include American Elder Sambucus canadensis in the east, and Blueberry Elder Sambucus glauca in the west; both have blue-black berries.

The common European species is the Common or Black Elder Sambucus nigra, with black berries.

The Red-berried Elder Sambucus racemosa is found throughout the colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere; European and Asian plants are treated as S. racemosa var. racemosa, and North American plants as S. racemosa var. pubens. As the name suggests, the berries are bright red.

Both flowers and berries can be made into wine, although the berries are best not eaten raw as they are mildly poisonous, causing vomiting (particularly if eaten unripe). The mild cyanide toxicity is destroyed by cooking. The berries can also be made into jam or pies.

For other uses of the word Elder, see the disambiguation page Elder.

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External links

• Liber Herbarum II on Sambucus nigra
• Plants For A Future page on Sambucus nigra