Common Name

Elderberry is known as Sambucus and some of its species like S.nigra and S.canadensis are wellknown. European elder (also called black elder), is the one used most often for medicinal purposes. Avoid dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), which can be toxic. Use a trusted preparation of elder because raw or unripe fruit as well as the leaves, seeds, and bark contain a chemical related to cyanide, which is poisonous.