Many may not be aware that elderberry grows in many parts of the US, including here in Southeast Texas. Stands of elderberry are most common along streams and other moist areas.
When foraging any plant, it’s important to know what you are picking and the look alikes. NEVER EAT OR PICK ANYTHING THAT YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE OF!!
There are three plants that are often mistaken for elderberry.
The first two are Chinese Privet and Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum).
“Chinese Privet is slightly toxic and has simple rather than compound leaves though they are all lined up so as to look a little like the compound leaves of elderberry, but smaller and not pointed at the end. Chinese Privet fruit appears in the fall/winter in grape-like clusters of dark, purple, somewhat football-shaped berries instead of the umbels of elderberry berry clusters. Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) produce umbel-shaped clusters of small, white flowers that look just like elderberry flowers but as with the Chinese Privet, Arrowwood leaves reveal its true identity. Arrows leaves are simple, oppositely-opposed along its branches and have toothed edges. After the flowers pass umbel-shaped clusters of grayish-purple, football-shaped berries ending in little dried flower bits appear. These fruit are edible but tasteless. [1]”
(elderberry, Chinese Privet, Arrowwod)
The third is Water Hemlock, the deadliest plant in North America (Cicuta maculata).
(Elderberry leaf vs Hemlock Leaf-photo eattheweeds.com)
Propagating Elderberry
While I love foraging, I want elderberry readily available on the homestead, so when I found a bush growing, I took two small green twigs to propagate. There are two ways to propagate from the green twigs, either with water or soil. Either way, you want to make sure you are getting a good cutting. Focus on stems that are very green in spring [here in Southeast Texas, they have growth all year round and I was able to get a cutting in October], those that are sturdy but thinner than the older canes at the center of the clump, choosing ones that are about as big around a as big around as your little fi/h4>
Water Method (this is the method I chose)
“Place your trimmings (cut side down) in a mason jar and add water until they are halfway submerged. Place the jar in a sunny area for 6-8 weeks, changing the water often. Roots grown in water are more fragile than ones grown in soil, so wait until they look sturdy before transferring. When they’re ready and there is not risk of freezing temperatures, plant the elderberry bush into quality soil.”
Soil Method
“Place your trimmings (cut side down) in a mason jar and add water until they are halfway submerged. Allow them to soak for 12-24 hours and then transfer them to pots filled with good, organic soil. Keep the pots moist so that the Keep the pots moist so that the cuttings donid environment to encourage growth, so either:
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Place them in a greenhouse
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Place a plastic bag over the top to trap moisture and create a greenhouse-like effect, then set the pot in a sunny area.
The trimmings will send out leaves and then grow roots – it can take six to twelve weeks to see significant root growth. Once it reaches the 6-8 week mark, gently tug on the cutting to assess root development. Once they’re well established and there is not risk of freezing temperatures, plant the elderberry cane (roots intact) into the soil ”.
Elderberry is not fussy about where is grows and so it makes for a good starting plant for the beginner homesteader. Transplant into rich, humus soil with good drainage and adequate sunlight. Dig a planting hole and place the new elderberry shrub into the soil with the base of the stem level with the soil line. During the first year, pinch off the flowers so that it can devote all it’s energy to establishing a good root system.
Don’t throw the flowers away though, They can be used to make a lemonade or tea!
Do you need help identifying Elderberry? Drop me a text at 409-749-0184 or comment below. I would love to help.
http://gardenmama.com/article.aspx?aid=310
http://gardenmama.com/article.aspx?aid=310