Elderberry Imposters: How To Spot Poisonous Look-Alikes

Elderberry Imposters: How to Spot Poisonous Look-Alikes

Elderberries are known for their health benefits and delicious flavor when properly prepared, but some plants resemble them closely. It’s crucial to distinguish true elderberries from poisonous elderberry look alikes to avoid serious health risks. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to identify imposters and ensures you safely forage or cultivate elderberries.

Understanding True Elderberries

Before diving into the look-alikes, it’s important to know what an elderberry plant and its berries actually look like.

Key Characteristics of True Elderberry Plants

• Leaves: Elderberry leaves are compound, meaning each leaf is made up of multiple leaflets. They usually have 5-9 leaflets arranged in opposite pairs along a central stalk, with one leaflet at the end. Leaf edges are serrated (toothed).
• Flowers: Elderberry flowers grow in large, flat-topped clusters called umbels or corymbs. The flowers are typically small, white or creamy in color, and have a distinctive, sweet fragrance.
• Berries: True elderberries are small, round berries that grow in drooping clusters. When ripe, they are usually dark purple or black (depending on the species). Red elderberries do exist, but are generally considered less palatable and potentially more problematic.

Elderberry Species and Regional Variations

Several elderberry species exist, each with slight variations. Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry) is common in eastern North America, while Sambucus nigra (European elderberry) is widely cultivated. It’s important to research the specific elderberry species native to your region to better understand its characteristics.

Identifying Poisonous Elderberry Look Alikes

Several plants bear resemblance to elderberries but are, in fact, toxic. Careful observation is essential.

Pokeweed ( Phytolacca americana)

Pokeweed is probably the most frequent plant mistaken for elderberry. Knowing the differences can save you from a dangerous situation.

• Berry Clusters: Unlike the drooping clusters of elderberries, pokeweed berries grow in erect, upright clusters.
• Berry Color: Pokeweed berries start green and ripen to a deep purple or black. This similarity to elderberries leads to confusion.
• Stalk Color: Pokeweed typically has reddish-purple stalks and stems.
• Leaves: Pokeweed leaves are alternate (not opposite like elderberry) along the stem and are smooth-edged, lacking the serration found on elderberry leaves.
• Toxicity: All parts of the pokeweed plant are toxic, especially the roots and berries. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Water Hemlock ( Cicuta maculata)

Water Hemlock is extremely poisonous and can be fatal if ingested.

• Flower Clusters: Water hemlock has white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters. While visually similar to elderflower clusters from a distance, they are arranged differently.
• Stems: Water hemlock stems are smooth, green, and often have purple streaks or blotches. A key identifying feature is the presence of chambers when the stem is cut open lengthwise near the base.
• Leaves: Water hemlock leaves are finely divided and fern-like.
• Habitat: It prefers wet areas like marshes, swamps, and stream banks. Elderberries often grow in similar environments, increasing the risk of confusion.
• Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing cicutoxin, a neurotoxin. Symptoms of poisoning include seizures, respiratory failure, and death.

Mountain Ash ( Sorbus species)

Mountain Ash produces bright red berries that can sometimes be mistaken for unripe or less common red elderberries.

• Berry Color & Shape: Mountain Ash berries are typically bright red and have a small ‘eye’ or remnant of the flower at the end opposite the stem, which elderberries lack.
• Leaves: Mountain Ash leaves are compound, similar to elderberries, but the leaflets are often more numerous and have sharper serrations.
• Flower Clusters: Mountain Ash flowers grow in dense clusters similar to elderflowers, but the plant is generally more tree-like than elderberries.
• Toxicity: The berries are mildly toxic, causing stomach upset if ingested in large quantities, but generally less dangerous than pokeweed or water hemlock.

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

While not closely resembling elderberries in fruit, the stems of young Japanese Knotweed plants can be mistaken for elderberry stems by inexperienced foragers.

• Stems: Japanese Knotweed stems are hollow and segmented, similar to bamboo. They often have reddish or purplish spots.
• Leaves: The leaves are heart-shaped and alternate along the stem.
• Toxicity: While generally considered edible when young (with proper preparation), consuming Japanese Knotweed stems raw can cause digestive issues. The primary concern is misidentification, as its presence may overshadow true elderberry plants.

A Visual Comparison: Table of Key Differences

Feature	True Elderberry	Pokeweed	Water Hemlock	Mountain Ash
Berry Clusters	Drooping	Upright	N/A (flowers)	Dense, Upright
Berry Color	Dark purple/black (ripe)	Green to purple/black	N/A (flowers are white)	Bright red
Leaves	Opposite, serrated leaflets	Alternate, smooth-edged	Finely divided, fern-like	Compound, sharp serrations
Stems	Woody, often with lenticels	Reddish-purple	Smooth, green with purple streaks, chambers	Woody
Habitat	Varied, often damp areas	Fields, roadsides	Wet areas, marshes	Mountainous regions, gardens
Toxicity	Raw berries/plant parts are toxic	All parts are highly toxic	All parts are extremely toxic	Mildly toxic

Safe Foraging Practices

• Positive Identification is Key: Never consume any plant unless you are 100% certain of its identification.
• Cross-Reference Multiple Sources: Consult multiple field guides, botanical websites, and, if possible, an expert.
• Start Small: If you are new to foraging, begin by identifying a few easily recognizable edible plants before attempting to identify elderberries.
• Avoid Contaminated Areas: Do not harvest plants from areas that may have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
• Respect the Environment: Only harvest what you need and leave plenty for wildlife and plant regeneration.
• When in Doubt, Throw it Out: If you have any doubts about the identification of a plant, discard it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Consider Cultivation: If you’re hesitant to forage, growing your own elderberry plants ensures you have correctly identified and safe berries.

So, next time you’re out foraging for elderberries, remember to be extra careful! Identifying poisonous elderberry look alikes might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll become a pro in no time. Happy (and safe!) foraging!