American elderberry (Sambucus nigra spp. canadensis) and Black European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) are the two most widely recognized species of elderberry, each with unique characteristics and cultural significance. The American elderberry is native to North America and is often found along roadsides, in open fields, and near streams, thriving in temperate climates. In contrast, the Black European elderberry originates from Europe and has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal and cul

Elder (Sambucus spp.) grows in the wild throughout the world! You can use iNaturalist and search for “Sambucus” to see if it occurs in your area! Inevitably some people will raise alarms about elder’s toxicity. I think the concerns are generally far overexaggerated! Elderberry does contain some levels of cyanogenic glycosides, CNGS, (usually most in the seeds) like MANY members of the rose family. A study on American Elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) found far fewer CNGs in the tissu