Wild ForageCaution

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Also called: American elder

Multi-stemmed shrub with white flower umbels and dark berries. Berries must be cooked; look-alike umbels can be deadly.

Elderberry: Leaf — LeafPhoto: Lynn Harper · CC0 · source

Elderberry: Flower — FlowerPhoto: Zinnia Xu · CC0 · source

Elderberry: Photo. Woody, brown stems — PhotoWoody, brown stemsPhoto: botanygirl · CC BY · source

Elderberry: Habitat — HabitatPhoto: Laura Gaudette · CC BY · source

Elderberry: Look-alike side by side. Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) berries, a toxic look-alike — Look-alike side by sidePokeweed (Phytolacca americana) berries, a toxic look-alikePhoto: Matthew Gerke · CC BY · source

Confirm EVERY point before you eat it

Woody, multi-stemmed shrub with opposite compound leaves of 5-9 toothed leaflets
Cut stems show thick, white, spongy pith
Flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers, then dark purple-black berries on reddish stalks

0 of 3 confirmed. If any point does not match, it is not this plant.

Look-alikes to rule out

Water hemlockDeadly
Alternate leaves, hollow non-woody stems, spotted purple. Elderberry has opposite leaves and woody stems.
See the card →
Poison hemlock (before flowering)Deadly
Smooth, hairless stem with purple-red blotches, fern-like leaves and a musty smell when crushed. Elderberry stems are woody and brown with rough bark.
See the card →
Pokeweed berriesToxic
Berries hang on a long magenta stalk, leaves are simple and smooth-edged.

Warnings

Raw berries, leaves, stems, bark and roots can cause nausea and vomiting. Cook berries and remove all stems.
Avoid green, unripe berries.
Traditionally cautioned against during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Treat that as a real caution, not a settled fact either way.
Keep out of reach of children.

In season

Flowers June-July; berries August-September.

Habitat

Moist edges, ditches, stream banks, field margins.

Parts used

flowers, cooked berries

Preparation and use

Cook berries for syrup or jelly; flowers for fritters or cordial.

Harvest note

Leave a share for birds.

Backpack Guide: Elderberry — Positive ID →Related: Elderberry sucker or cutting →

Educational reference only. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom based on a website or app. Confirm with an experienced forager, your local extension office, or a mycological club. Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms.