The elderberries are deciduous shrubs growing naturally in North America. The American elder is native to eastern and central North America, east of the Rocky Mountain, ranging from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Manitoba and Texas.
In ancient times these members of the honeysuckle family were often planted around houses to keep away the evil spirits, as well as lighting.
The plant grows in shady, wet places, frequently in the undergrowths of forests. It is highly versatile plant, since almost all its portions have been used by man. It has been used as food, medicine, and to make tools ornaments.
The mature fruits of elderberries are other blue, black, or red. Those that are blue or black are edible for humans when cooked, and are relished, especially when ripe by birds, big games, other wild life, and sometimes by domestic livestock.
Elderberry (Sambucus)
