The clusters of edible fruits are black or a very dark purple, small, round, shining, and juicy.  Edible berries and flower are used for medicine, dyes for basketry, arrow shafts, flute, whistles, clapper sticks, and folk medicine.  While there are numerous species of elderberry grown in North America, only those with blue/black berries are medicinal. The flowers and berries are both used. Species with red berries are not medicinal.

HELDERBERRY     Sambucus canadensis

Description  |  Edible Use   |  Medicinal Use  

Specific Tribal Use  |  Use by Wildlife  |  Historic References to Native Use  

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