Elderberry

The Elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) in our neighborhood are starting to ripen and turn a dark purple. The ripe berries are edible and can be used to make pies, wine and jelly, but the unripe berries and other parts of the plant are toxic.



The berries are a favorite food for birds and bears. As a child, I remember picking elderberries for local winemakers. The picking of elderberries also signaled the end of the summer school vacation.