Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

no photo — written note
photo: Wikimedia Commons
Plants

Flat white flower plates in June, then heavy clusters of purple-black fruit.

Field facts
HabitatDitches, wet fencerows, stream edges
RangeStatewide
When to lookFlowers June; fruit August to September
StatusSecure (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesRed Elderberry, Water Hemlock — deadly

Field note: Raw berries and all green parts are mildly toxic until cooked.

Lesson
Watching responsibly

Harvest only with permission and never strip a whole shrub.

Never eat raw elderberries, leaves, or stems.

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