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Elderberry is a common soft-stemmed shrub that inhabits many fence lines and wet areas in the southeast. Sometimes it reaches tree height. It grows in moist, open places such as the edges of swamps, wet woodlands, cypress domes, and lakes. You can find elderberry growing in non-natural areas like retention ponds, ditches, grasslands, and canal banks. It can be found in these bottomland habitats throughout Florida and across the Gulf region to Mexico. The sweet and juicy fruit can be used to make jelly, pies,
and wine. It is also eaten by over 50 species of songbirds, including
robins, mockingbirds, and gray catbirds. Other birds such as
wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and mourning doves also eat the fruit.
White-tailed deer sometimes feed on the leaves of elderberry. |
 Twig, leaves, and fruit |
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Elderberry can be confused with a violently toxic plant called water hemlock (Cicuta mexicana). These two plants are very similar, but cautious attention to detail can be used to separate their identities. Stems of water hemlock have purple stripes and when cut in half, reveal hollow piths. The elderberry stem has a uniform, white to light gray pith in cross section and the foliage has a rank, acrid odor when crushed. Elderberry leaves are oppositely arranged but water hemlock leaves are alternate.Both elderberry and water hemlock are pinnately compound. Both grow in moist or wet habitats. You must use caution when identifying these plants. Avoid touching water hemlock! |
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