Sambucus nigra

No, raw elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed uncooked. The berries must be heated or properly processed to neutralize these compounds before being used in syrups, jams, wines, or other food products.

Elderflowers from Sambucus nigra are used to produce elderflower cordial, a traditional sweet beverage popular in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, as well as elderflower liqueurs such as St-Germain, which is produced in France. The flowers can also be battered and deep-fried as elderflower fritters, a traditional European delicacy.

Sambucus nigra (European or black elder) is native to Europe and western Asia and typically grows as a larger shrub or small tree, while Sambucus canadensis (American elder) is native to eastern North America and tends to be a smaller, more spreading suckering shrub. Both species produce edible berries and flowers when properly prepared.

'Black Lace' is a widely grown cultivar featuring deeply dissected dark purple-black foliage that resembles Japanese maple, while 'Aurea' produces golden-yellow leaves and bright red berry stems. 'Black Beauty' is another popular dark-foliaged selection valued for its fragrant pink flowers and dramatic leaf color.