Sambucus glauca
Nutt.
Blue-berried elder
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Matthew Zlatunich, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Matthew Zlatunich, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Matthew Zlatunich, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A temperate shrub in the Adoxaceae family that produces blue berries. The berries can be boiled, dried, and stored for later use.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The flower blossoms can be used to make tea. The fruits can be eaten raw (despite containing a toxin), dried, or as jelly.
Traditional Uses
The berries can be boiled and eaten. After boiling they can be sun-dried and stored.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
The raw berries contain a toxin which, if eaten raw, may induce nausea in some people.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Notes
Also put in the Caprifoliaceae family. An unresolved name in The Plant List.
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Jakec
Blue-berried elder
Sambucus glauca
(c) Matthew Zlatunich, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Pokeweed: Thick red/purple herbaceous stems (no bark), berries in a line (raceme), simple large leaves, large white taproot.
Blue-berried elder: Woody bark, berries in broad flat clusters (cymes), compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets.
References (1)
- Stubbs, R. D., 1966, An investigation of the Edible and Medicinal Plants used by the Flathead Indians. MA thesis University of Montana. p 41
