Common Name(s): | Elderberry |
Scientific Name: | Sambucus nigra |
Synoyms: | Sambucus canadensis |
Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
Longevity: | Perennial |
Season: | Warm |
Origin: | Native |
Height: | 4 m |
Flowers: | May - June |
Fruits: | Summer |
Description: A shrub or rarely a small tree spreading by stolons. Occurs on rich soils and is scattered in bottomlands and uplands along streams, fence rows and low places. Stems have a thin woody layer and large white pith. Older stems are reddish to gray with small warty protuberances. The fruit is eaten by several bird and mammal species. The mature fruit, when cooked, makes excellent wine and jelly. Unripe fruit, roots, leaves, stems and flowers are poisonous. |