Elderberry is common on the coast and in wetter interior areas west of the Cascade Mountains. Berries were made into tangy jelly, syrup, and wine. Birds and mammals eat the berries, and browsers enjoy the foliage and twigs. Elderberry stems, bark, leaves and roots, especially in fresh plants, are toxic because of cyanide producing glycosides present. Once established, elderberry grows very fast and is a good soil-binder.
Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Salvaging Elderberry Elderberry is very easy to grow from cuttings, especially when taken between October and December, but can be successful throughout the year. Plants under 6 feet tall can be salvaged, but it is important to get as much of the long fleshy root system as possible.