Elderberry – Wild Weeds
Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra (subsp.) canadensis
Elderberry Flowers
Elderberry is a Florida native tree/shrub that is often found in wet, open spaces. From spring to fall Elderberry can be distinguished by its large, flat clusters of white flowers that develop into deep blue-black berry clusters in mid to late fall. Elderberry is found across almost the entire United States and southern Canada and can be found in natural areas but also has uses as an ornamental/ container plant.
Elderberry Leaves
It is important to note that all parts of the elderberry plant are extremely poisonous. Ripe berries can be used in pies, jams, jellies, wines, or other products that require cooking although some consumers may still be sensitive to elderberry products even after cooking.
Elderberry Fruit
Learn more about Elderberry biology and identification here >>
Learn about Elderberry here >>
Wild Weeds is a monthly spotlight written by Alicia Halbritter, Baker County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent. Wild Weeds highlights plants you may find in Florida on the roadside, while hiking, in the forest, or possibly even in your yard. Searching for more information on a particular plant? Email Alicia at aliciah1221@ufl.edu for more information/questions.
Do you have a person who can ID poison ivy? We have a vine growing on the high tree with dull 3 leaves and fragrant white flowers. It looks similar to the pictures on the Google site for poison ivy, but our landscaper says it isn’t poison ivy. He thinks it might be a honeysuckle vine. I guess that I don’t feel confident of that diagnosis. My husband did touch it without any bad problems.
Peggy,
You can certainly email photos to aliciah1221@ufl.edu and I will identify for you.