Botany Photo of the Day

Cool-looking shrubs! Elderberries always make me think of Monty Python. And thanks for the heads-up re: the switch from Caprifoliaceae to Adoxaceae. It's so hard to keep up.

This entry of the photo of the day is very good. The close-up shows the detail of the leaves and fruit and the long shot gives a good idea of the shape and size of the plant. Hope you can keep doing this!

These Elderberries are looking especially beautiful this year - makes for happy birds!

Does anyone know if the blue/black friuted one in western north america (I'm from northern Idaho) is called Sambucus cerulea? Or has it changed to Sambucus racemosa subsp. pubens var. melanocarpa? Thanks for this post, I love elderberries, but not sure which sp. I'm seeing!

Do these make good pies, I wonder? The black ones are pretty scarce in Southern Ontario, mainly because they are chopped down at the roadside by the municipalities and county road people - my daughter knocks on doors when she sees elderberries in the garden or nearby fields - most people are happy to let her pick - her pies are to die for.

Just want to second John Story's comment; having both the close up and long shot is a great idea.

The band-tailed pigeons love the red elderberries that are so prevalent in coastal northern California now, including my yard. It's interesting to see these (relatively) large birds balance on the fragile branches to eat the fruit.

Sambucus racemosa was one of the more easily remembered plant names when I began learning the scientific names of the plants in my yard. I read elewhere that: "The genus name Sambucus comes from the latin sambuke, which means a musical instrument. The hollow stems have been used for making simple flutes since ancient times."

Annie, I'm not aware of the red elderberries being used for pies or jams. They only look yummy.

Elderberries make Diane think of Monty Python, but they make me think of wine. Back in the old days, elderberry wine and dandylion wine were favorites of amateur wine makers.

I think I am in love!

: )

I think I saw one of these at the University of Chicago yesterday. Is this zone 5?

A warning to all
This is what the Swedish Poisons Information Centre says:
The red seeds of grape elderberries Sambucus racemosa) can cause lethargy, vomiting and fever if swallowed. The flowers can cause allergies, even those of the genuine elderberry, Sambucus nigra.
So no pies from this bush!

Stephanie is certainly right about the banded-tailed pigeons. Camping in northern California recently, we were startled when a whole flock descended into the red elderberry bushes around our campsite.

Such pretty red berries. Too bad we can't make pie of out them.

But at least the birds have plenty to enjoy!

I just ate a few of the blue elderberries today. I was under the impression the red and blue elderberries are edible.
Now I see from the website posted below that they do contain cyanide producing glycosides in the leaves, stems, bark, roots, and green fruits raw (probably lower then for the ripe fruits I ate). Also says the toxicity is destroyed when cooked (so should be fine in pies?)

http://montana.plant-life.org/species/sambu_ceru.htm

Beautiful plants wither way.

I have a beautiful large one growing behind my party shack at the back of my property. I think this tree or bush *very large to be a bush* is responsible for the abundance of birds in my back yard.
I never knew what this tree was. Now I know :)
It is officially a tree right?

the birds love the elderberrys
i know my grandparents had
elerberry wine in the house
and the amish made pies

the pitures are nice one may
also find pictures and botanical
drawings etc on usda cal photos
nursery sites etc thank you

I love the canopy walkway. What a great way to view plant material. Hope to visit one day to see this in person.

Elderberries are not ripe until October, when they turn dark purple & have a dusty looking coating...About mid October is when the birds start flocking to the trees...At least that is how it is in the Columbia River Gorge @ Hood River, Oregon...They make great juice for a medicinal remedy (could this be like blackberry cordial from Anne of Green Gables) ;)...It also makes very tasty jelly, that I have given to friends, that remember the taste from their grandmas home...Very fun & free for the picking.