Elderberry Facts

Elderberry bushes are a common sight throughout most of the United States in moist, swampy and wetland areas. They can be seen growing wild along canals and in wet bottomland habitats, though they may also be planted intentionally on private and public lands. They are notable for their white flowers in the summer and for producing juicy, sweet berries in the fall.

Characteristics

Elderberry leaves are arranged oppositely on stems.

The elderberry bush (Sambucus canadensis) is a common soft-stemmed shrub that can reach tree height if not pruned. Elderberry bushes have dark-green elliptical leaves with pale undersides. The leaves are arranged opposite to each other on each stem. If crushed, the foliage emits a strong, unpleasant odor. In early to mid summer, the elderberry produces fragrant white flowers in clusters that are between 6 and 12 inches across. Purple-black berries appear in late summer to autumn.

Habitat

Elderberry bushes need a lot of moisture.

Elderberries are found growing wild in both natural and man-made wet areas in almost every state in the continental U.S. and in central and eastern Canada. According to Cornell University, they are hardy to zone 3 and don't necessarily require a damp habitat to thrive if used as a landscape plant as long as they have well-drained soil and receive enough water.

Berries

Some people make elderberry jam.

The fruit of the elderberry bush is a known as a drupe. The pit of a drupe is made up of a hard seed encased in a shell. The sweet, fleshy covering around the pit is called the mesocarp, which is covered with a thin skin. Elderberry drupes are about 1/4 inch in diameter. The fruit contains vitamins A, B and C. They are often used in cooking and baking. They may be made into pies, added to muffins and pancakes, or used to make tea, jelly and elderberry wine. According to D. Charlebois of Purdue University, some people feel that elderberries have medicinal value and use them for a variety of respiratory and gastric ailments.

Wildlife

Robins and many other birds enjoy elderberries.

Songbirds in particular are attracted to the elderberry fruits. Over 50 varieties have been observed consuming them, including robins, catbirds and mockingbirds. Many other birds will eat them as well. White-tailed deer will eat the foliage.

Identification

The elderberry bush resembles the water hemlock bush, a toxic plant that often lives in the same habitats. According to the University of Florida, they can be distinguished from each other by careful examination of the stems and leaves. The stems of the water hemlock have purple stripes and hollow piths while the elderberry has no stripes and a solid pith. The leaves of the water hemlock are arranged in an alternating pattern while the elderberry's leaves are directly opposite one another.

References

• University of Florida: Florida Forest Trees: Elderberry
• Cornell University: Elderberries
• D. Charlebois, Purdue University: Elderberry as a Medicinal Plant

Resources

• D. Charlebois: Elderberry as a Medicinal Plant
• Gardening Central: Elderberry Tree
• New World Encyclopedia: drupe