Between Sambucus Canadensis and Sambucus Nigra?
Elderberry plants are both ornamental and functional. The edible elderberries, Sambucus Canadensis and Sambucus Nigra species of elderberry, are well known for their immunity boosting properties, however, they have other traditional uses as well.
Genus: Sambucus
Species: Canadensis and Nigra
These elderberry varieties are the best edible elderberries species.
It’s no wonder that nurseries are cultivating patented and increasingly beautiful versions of this amazing wild shrub. In this article, we’re focusing on the “common elderberry” as it is the most functional and beneficial plant with edible berries and flowers.
The American Elderberry and Black Elderberry
The American or Common Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, and European or Black Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, are important plants. These highly nutritious berries and flowers are so potent for boosting the immune system, that there are many over-the-counter medications named after this genus of plants.
The Canadensis, is a native North American shrub, growing wild in the northeast and northwestern states. The ripened berries are a deep purple-tinged black, held clustered by a lovely contrasting violet colored stem.
Elderberry Sambucus Canadensis for Dietary, Medicinal and Accoutrements
The elderberry shrub is increasingly cultivated as a living edible hedge, landscaped into permaculture yards. As a common ornamental shrub, elderberry brings wonderful nutritional and medicinal value from the elderberries and elderflowers.
Historical Uses of Elderberry
The Cahuilla Native American Indians Uses for Elderberry
ACCOUTREMENTS
- Flutes and whistles – made by boring holes into stems hollowed out with hot sticks
- Clapper sticks – for dancing ceremonies, made by splitting the stem and clapping the two halves against each other.
- Tender for fire – the pith of the stems was used as tinder
- Firestarter – and the stem itself was employed as a twirling stick for starting the fire
BASKETRY & DYES
- Elderberry twigs & stems
- Fruit for creating dyes
Stems are dyed a very deep black by soaking them for a week or so in a wash made from the berry stems of the elderberry (Barrows 1967).
SOURCE: Plants.usda.gov/plantguide
FOOD
- Edible Elderberries
- Raw or dried
- Cooked
- Syrups
- Wine
- Elder Flowers, AKA Elderflowers
- Raw or dried
- Cooked
- Tea
MEDICINE
- Immunity
- Nutrient dense
WEAPONS
- Elderberry branches are strong and were used to make the shaft of arrows
- Hollowed-out elderberry stems can be made into squirt guns 😉
SOURCE: PlantsUSDA.gov
About the American Elderberry and Black Elderberry
These common elderberries are the best edible elderberry species.
Genus: Sambucus
Species: Canadensis and Nigra
Elderberry plants are both ornamental and functional. It’s no wonder that nurseries are cultivating patented and increasingly beautiful versions of this amazing wild shrub. In this article, we’re focusing on common elderberry as it is the most functional and beneficial plant with edible berries and flowers.
The American or common elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, and European or black elderberry, Sambucus nigra, are important plants. These highly nutritious berries and flowers are so potent for boosting the immune system, that there are many over-the-counter medications named after this genus of plants.
The Canadensis, is a native North American shrub, growing wild in the northeast and northwestern states. The ripened berries are a deep purple-tinged black, held clustered by a lovely contrasting violet colored stem.
The elderberry shrub is increasingly cultivated as a living edible hedge, landscaped into permaculture yards. As a common ornamental shrub, elderberry brings wonderful nutritional and medicinal value from the elderberries and elderflowers.
Historical Uses of Elderberry
The Cahuilla Native American Indians Uses for Elderberry
ACCOUTREMENTS
- Flutes and whistles – made by boring holes into stems hollowed out with hot sticks
- Clapper sticks – for dancing ceremonies, made by splitting the stem and clapping the two halves against each other.
- Tender for fire – the pith of the stems were used as tinder (pit
- Firestarter – and the stem itself was employed as a twirling stick for starting the fire
BASKETRY
- Elderberry twigs & stems
- Fruit for creating dyes
Stems are dyed a very deep black by soaking them for a week or so in a wash made from the berry stems of the elderberry.
SOURCE: Barrows 1967 – Plants.USDA.gov
FOOD
- Berries
- Raw
- Cooked
- Dried
HEALTH
- Immunity
- Nutrient dense
WEAPONS
- Elderberry branches are strong and were used to make the shaft of arrows
- Hollowed-out elderberry stems can be made into squirt guns.[1]https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/mipmcpg9776.pdf
Where to Buy Edible Elderberries
Now if you don’t have elderberries in your yard or growing wild in your area, don’t worry. You can buy elderberry plants to plant, and you can also find berries and flowers online.
We got our elderberry plants from a local nursery and also from EdibleLandscaping.com. You can also order them through Amazon:
When do Elderberries Ripen?
- Elderberries ripen in July and August in zone 7a, (so adjust up or down for your growing zone).
- Elderberry flowers, aka, elderflowers, continue blooming during the first ripening of berries.
- By late July and August, it’s just berries, and lots of them!
