Elderberry, Common Sambucus canadensis
Elderberry, Red Sambucus racemose
These two Elderberries are native shrubs that grow throughout Virginia except at the highest elevations. They range from 2 to 20 feet tall, with compound leaves that have a skunk-like odor. Elderberry blooms between May and September and fruits between July and October. Common Elderberry flowers are white, creamy or yellow and are fragrant, whereas Red Elderberry flowers are typically white. Fruits are small berries, black to purple (Common Elderberry) or red (Red Elderberry) when ripe. Except for ripe, cooked berries of the Common Elderberry, all parts of both Common and Red Elderberry are poisonous. Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headache, and dizziness. Skin contact may cause a rash.
Gail Trimmer-Unterman Elderberry Watercolor 12 x 12 $150
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