Species library · Berries & fruit

Foraging American Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Typically in season from June to September, peaking around July to September in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland edges, Wetland, Disturbed ground. Has toxic lookalikes, so check carefully.

American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Photo: (c) Rison Thumboor, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · iNaturalist

When American Elderberry is in season

Typical window in the northern hemisphere, peak July to September. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset, and your own timing depends on local weather, so check your town.

→ Everything in season to forage in September

Where it grows

American Elderberry is usually found in Woodland edges, Wetland, Disturbed ground.

⚠ Look-alikes & safety

Deadly look-alikes: water hemlock, poison hemlock, red elderberry. Only forage with a confident ID.

Take American Elderberry into the field

Open American Elderberry in the Forage app for its full field guide entry with more photos, key features and toxic lookalikes to check against. Add it to your watchlist and the app pings you the moment it comes into season at your exact spot, worked out from live weather, elevation and billions of occurrence records.

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American Elderberry: common questions

When is American Elderberry in season?

American Elderberry is generally in season from June to September, with its peak around July to September in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather. Check the Season Finder for your own location.

Where does American Elderberry grow?

American Elderberry is usually found in Woodland edges, Wetland, Disturbed ground.

Is American Elderberry safe to forage?

Deadly look-alikes: water hemlock, poison hemlock, red elderberry. Only forage with a confident ID. Never eat any wild plant, berry, nut or mushroom unless you are completely certain of the identification. Check every find against a reliable field guide, and when in doubt, don't.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits