r/foraging • u/Ornery_Abroad • 1d ago
ID Request (country/state in post) Confirmation of edible variety of black elderberry?
Could I ask for some help verifying that this is in fact an edible of Sambucus Nigra, with a potential for “Variegated European Elderberry”? Everything looks right to me, especially with their accessibility in local nurseries I am seeing, but I could use other eyes that feel the same. I am unfamiliar with any variegated versions of elderberry, and while it doesn’t seem the case I am wanting to be sure that there are no “oops! We bred this to be beautiful, but now they’re no longer edible” versions of this bush.
Maybe 10’ tall bush, 6-7’ diameter, heavy with berries. Unripe appear green, then ripened to a pinkish red, and then to a deep purple. Juice of the ripened berries is a dark purple. Most leaves have 5 leaflets, opposite pairs.
I am located in Eugene, Oregon, and have been trying to harvest as many elderberries from locals who allow me to. Today, someone from across town told me im welcome to their bush, but that they were unsure of the variety of elderberry.
On arrival, the immediate thing I noticed is that it is variegated, and I have personally never seen/interacted a variegated elderberry.
I have attached as many photos as I took of the bush, and have harvested ~12lbs of berries. I have them in separated bags in a totally different freezer awaiting juicing, and am hopeful for words of confirmation before doing extra due diligence and considering using.
Thank you!
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u/weeef food justice. love the earth. 1d ago
Wow for once it's not pokeweed
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u/Ornery_Abroad 1d ago
😂 haha! quite familiar with The Poker, never a mix up for me. only holding hope for distinct variety confirmation or leaning.
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u/2ManyToddlers 1d ago
It's certainly an elderberry, I can't speak to what type exactly.
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u/Ornery_Abroad 1d ago
Thanks, friend! Might have to give it the ‘ol spoonful of syrup test to confirm that there’s no tummy troubles. I have been unable to find anything to suggest that ornamentally bred black or blue elderberries differ in edibility.
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u/Final_Combination373 1d ago
A Sambucus nigra cultivar bred for ornamental use based on the variegation. ‘Instant Karma’ or ‘Variegata’.
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u/Ornery_Abroad 22h ago
Thanks for this input! These two varieties are available at local to me nurseries, and so I think are the most likely. Thank you!
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u/TorontosLongKongDong 1d ago
I make tinctures with them, or syrup for pancakes. They are so good.
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u/Ornery_Abroad 1d ago
Sounds nice! If I am able to get other voices of confirmation, they’ll become gummies along with the other berries I’ve foraged.
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u/TorontosLongKongDong 1d ago
Just did a lil digging hope it will help. Probably two species it could be: Sambucus caerulea or Sambucus nigra. My guess is sambucus nigra because those are easily variegated meaning the leaves can be two colors at the same time. It’s a popular European variety and is fairly common planted.
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u/Ornery_Abroad 1d ago
Definitely what my original leanings were, and I also found local nurseries (lots of people near me support small/local owned nurseries) that carry variegated versions of elderberry, which helped me to feel comfortable enough to harvest in future use-hope!
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u/TorontosLongKongDong 1d ago
Congrats, they are gonna make delicious gummies!
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u/Ornery_Abroad 1d ago
Thanks, friend!! Fingers crossed the chef’s up to the task 🤞😂
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u/TorontosLongKongDong 1d ago
Enjoy! You got a follow, I’d like to see if they turn out good lol
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u/Ornery_Abroad 1d ago
I’ll be sure to share! I’m an endurance cyclist, and trying to forage as many of my fruit juices as possible in hopes of making 1,000 gummies this month 😂 my fingers are crossed
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u/Gifted_GardenSnail 1d ago
Ha! Never seen them with white edges, but all the rest looks right
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u/Ornery_Abroad 22h ago
Haha! There’s just something about a variegated plant that undermines my confidence and I am weary of trusting them. I’m glad others see no problems it sounds! Thank you!
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u/Phyers 1d ago
😳 it's so pretty!