Sambucus nigra is a temperate species of tree or shrub in the family Viburnaceae native to the Azores, Europe, and the Middle East. Common names include elder, common elder, black elder, European elder, and also elderberry for the fruit, and elderflower for the flowers. It grows in a variety of conditions including both wet and dry fertile soils, primarily in sunny locations. The plant is widely grown as an ornamental shrub or small tree.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
Considered toxic. Public sources list it as such; we have not verified this individually. The note covers its whole genus. The roots, twigs, leaves, and unripe fruit are considered poisonous and cause nausea and digestive upset.Ripe berries must be cooked before consumption Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Sambucus canadensis — considered toxic
- Sambucus williamsii — considered toxic
- Sambucus sieboldiana — considered toxic
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Dipsacales
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Genus
- Sambucus
- Species
- Sambucus nigra
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