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Upcoming Events | Meet the Instructors | Plant Archive | Mushroom Archive
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Elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) are a native woody shrub that like to grow near water.
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Elderberries hang down in a cluster at the end of the branch. The leaves grow in 5-11 leaflets that are opposite and serrated.
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Elderberry leaves and stems are toxic. Berries should be cooked, and seeds removed to avoid stomach upset.
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Elderberry juice can be made by boiling and then simmering berries and water for 30 minutes. Mash berries and then strain to remove seeds.
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In June-July, the elder tree produces flowers that are edible after cooking. Raw elderflowers are mildly toxic and have an unpleasant taste.
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Elderflowers can be turned into a cordial, vinegar, or fritters.
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Elderberries and elderflowers have immune enhancing and antiviral properties.
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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.