# Presentation: 238334

## common elderberrySambucus   nigra L. ssp. canadensis (L.) R. BolliSynonyms:  S. bipinnata, S. canadensis, S. cerulea, S. coriacea,                                                   S. eberhardtii,S.  intermedia,S.  lucida, S.  mexicana, S.  orbiculata, S.  oreopola, S.  pubens,  S.  repens,  S.  simpsonii,  S.  velutina.Other common names;  blue elderberry, Mexican elderberry, elderberry, American elder, blue elder, sweet elder, wild elder, elder, flor sauco,  tree of music, Danewort, Walewort.

**FOOD:**
- This plant occurs in all states east of the Mississippi River and is very abundant when it grows in clumps.  The berries were an important food for some tribes during late summer.  Only the blue or purple berries of elderberry are edible.  The red berries on plants which look nearly identical are toxic and should not be disturbed.  Likewise, the introduced European black elderberry is very similar to our native elderberry but is even more poisonous.  The foliage contains a glucoside which may be fatal, especially in new growth.  The active alkaloids in elderberry plants are hydrocyanic acid and sambucine.  Even when you get the right plant do not eat raw berries.  Cooking destroys the alkaloids and improves the taste.
- The Indians used the berries to make beverages, puddings and bakery products.
- Currently it is an important source for jams, jellies, cobblers, pies and wine.  It is cultivated with named varieties which produce more berries or are more colorful than native bushes.

- Photo courtesy of:©Jim Stasz. This copyrighted image may be freely used for any non-commercial purpose. For commercial use please contact _[Jim](mailto:jstasz@mncppc.state.md.us)__[ Stasz](mailto:jstasz@mncppc.state.md.us)_. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated: **Jim Stasz** @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

- Slide developed by Pat Broyles, Soil Conservationist, Manhattan, KS. PMC.  USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

## common elderberry

**CULTURALLY:**
- Branches were used as arrow shafts.
- Twigs and berries made a purple dye which was used to decorate clothing and in basketry.
- Clapper sticks were used to accompany singing and dancing.  These were made by splitting a stem into halves.
- The pith of the stem was used as tinder, and the stem was used in twirling to make friction to get the fire started.
- Stems were hollowed out by putting hot or burning twigs inside to burn up the pith.  Flutes and whistles were made once the stems were hollowed out.  One case has been medically documented of children being poisoned after using the hollow stems for whistles.
- The foliage was used as a repellant since the odor keeps flies and insects away.

- Photo courtesy of:  Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. *Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species*. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE. Courtesy of _[USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute](http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/WLI/)_. This image is not copyrighted and may be freely used for any purpose. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated:**Robert H. Mohlenbrock** @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / **USDA SCS. 1989. *****Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species*****. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE.**

- Slide developed by Pat Broyles, Soil Conservationist, Manhattan, KS. PMC.  USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

## common elderberry

**MEDICINALLY:**
- Virtually all tribes used elderberry in some manner for health reasons.  A beverage made from the berries was used as a general tonic.  An ounce of elderberry berries contain more vitamin C than an ounce of orange or tomato juice.
- Commonly the flowers were brewed into a tea and taken to control fevers, diarrhea and congestion.  Medical research shows the flowers contain flavenoids and rutin, which are known to improve immune functions.
- A bandage was made from the leaves, and placed on any swellings or open cuts.
- A patch of bark was tied on the forehead for headache relief.

- Photo courtesy of:  Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. *Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species*. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE. Courtesy of _[USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute](http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/WLI/)_. This image is not copyrighted and may be freely used for any purpose. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated:  **Robert H. Mohlenbrock** @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / **USDA SCS. 1989. *****Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species*****. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln, NE.**

- Slide developed by Pat Broyles, Soil Conservationist, Manhattan, KS. PMC.  USDA is an equal opportunity employer.