Description
Latin name – Sambucus nigra canadensis
Elderberry is a tall shrub native to Florida. Once you know what they look like, you’ll see them all over the place especially on growing next to swales along highway roads. This plant grows up to 12 feet tall and provides wildlife with a dense habitat that is also a source of food. Elderberries are a favorite food of many different birds, including Mockingbirds, Blue Jays, and Cardinals. Many different pollinators are attracted to the white bloom clusters, which can also be used to make elderflower syrup. Elderberries are most commonly known for their berries that tout immune boosting properties. They can also be used to make natural dyes, wine, tea, syrups for culinary and medicinal use.
There is some concern with toxicity from consuming elderberries. Here is a direct quote from the University of Florida’s IFAS website.
“Like cassava and almonds, ripe elderberry fruits contain trace amounts of cyanogenic glycosides (CNGs). CNGs are compounds that can break down into cyanide. A healthy person can consume these foods if they’re properly prepared. Still, some people are more sensitive to CNGs than others.
Heating elderberry juice and straining out the seeds will help you avoid consuming CNGs. Boiling temperatures are often achieved if you’re making jams, jellies, pies, or baked goods. It is not necessary to heat the fruits to boiling, however.
Other parts of the elderberry plant contain higher amounts of CNGs, sometimes at levels toxic to humans. This includes unripe berries, stems, leaves, and possibly the seeds, too. Examine fruit clusters carefully and remove any unripe berries. Strain out the seeds as you prepare the fruits.
Another point of caution comes from elderberry’s white flower clusters. These look very similar to water hemlock, one of Florida’s most poisonous plants. As always, we urge gardeners to be certain of their plant identification before tasting any foraged foods.”
Plant elderberries in full sun to partial shade, in moist areas with fertile soil. It will shoot up runners as the plant is established. Be prepared to pull these out or allow them to grow into a lovely clump of elderberry bushes.
