Foraging for Elderberries & Elderflowers: Identification, Look-alikes, & Uses

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elderberry varieties

elderberries

elder is native to europe but has migrated to the eastern half of north america

american elder is native to eastern north america and is very closely related to elder

elderberries

when to find elderflower

in southern oregon elderflowers bloom in late may through june

when to find elderberry

while partially dependent on climate and where you're geographically situated

elderberries

elderberry shrub

elderberry

identifying elderflower

elderflowers are a creamy color and grow in clusters

these clusters are and flat and each cluster is made up of many tiny flowers. elders have cone shaped flowers

individual bloom has five petals and an abundance of pollen on the stamen

elderflower

identifying elderberry

elderberries range in color from purple to and grow in clusters on reddish stems

elders have bright berries that grow in a cone-like shape

elderberries

as

harvesting elderflower

never take more than percent of the flowers on any given elder plant as the flowers will eventually become berries

harvesting elderberry

spread out on a drying screen

freezing elderberries

elderberries

i always recommend getting a foraging guidebook to help you properly identify plants

elderflower look-alikes

take a look at my in-de guide to identifying poison hemlock if you have any concerns confusing the two plants while foraging

elderberry look-alikes

when foraging

pokeweed is highly toxic and is reported to have a highly unpleasant taste — make sure you steer clear of these berries

toxic elderberry look-alike: pokeberries

the second look-alike plant is called devil's walking ; these berries are similar in appearance to elderberries

edible uses of elder

elderflowers and elderberries are both edible and have a wide array of culinary uses

elderberries sometimes have a amount of toxicity when consumed

edible uses of elderflower

elderflowers are a natural fit

when i have an abundance of elderflowers i love to make this sparkling elderflower mead

if you're feeling fancy

looking f edible elderflower inspiration? i've put together a list of 20

edible uses of elderberry

elderberries are an source of vitamins a and

elderberries be eaten

the bloom that forms on elderberries also be used to make your own yeast starter

as

i find that the tart-sweet flavor of elderberries is especially tasty when added to fermented elderberry soda

see my post

elderflowers and elderberries are both recognized

medicinal uses of elderflower

the flowers are well-known )

you also make a fever-reducing elderflower tea

medicinal uses of elderberry

elderberries have numerous immune-boosting benefits

elderberries also be made into a tincture

elderberries actually overstimulate the immune system

elderberries

buy elderberries

elderberry is such a great plant to have around

we grow elderberry from root cuttings right in our backyard

luckily elderberries are easy to forage and grow

elderberries

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next post: how to make elderberry syrup: simple recipe

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originally published on august 22

kshares

k

k

wildcrafting weeds

there are three main types of elder: elder

the focus of this article will be foraging

elder is found across north america

where and when to find elder

elder species grow all over the world

elder which is another subspecies of elder

elder shrubs are commonly found growing in disturbed areas

elder

elderflowers

blooming time depends on climate and elevation

elderflowers

identifying elder

elders are shrubs

harvesting elder

neighbor's property

when harvesting elderflowers look

flowering elders are almost impossible to miss

by hanging the bunches upside down

elder look-alikes

elderflowers potentially be mistaken ) despite having only a passing resemblance

elder shrubs are much larger than poison he ock

the first look-alike is called pokeweed

unlike pokeweed

it's important to remember that elder stems

elderflowers are a rich source of nutrients

medicinal uses of elder

time to start foraging

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kshares

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