Chapters 4.50
4.50.Elderberry
Gurliv Saini, University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Saini,G. (2022) Fleshy Fruits. In The Student Encyclopedia of Canadian Indigenous Foods. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.firstnationsfoods.org/
Introduction
Sambucus Canadensis also known as the Canadian elderberry, American elderberry, or common elderberry has been around for many years and is a token for the Indigenous people of Canada. This plant species has had many notable uses throughout history. The general uses of elderberry include food, health, folk medicine and weapons. This paper will educate Canadians about the historical use of common elderberry and its value in today’s world.
Plant and Species Information
Elderberry, also known as Sambucus, is a genus consisting of 11 different species of flower and berry plants (The Plant List, 2019). The Sambucus genus belongs to the Adoxaceae family but before this, the plant belonged to the Caprifoliaceae family. The change was made in 2003 (Donoghue, 2003; Schmitzer et al., 2012) after it was determined the plant species matched the characteristics of the moschatel family (Adoxaceae) (Schmitzer et al., 2012). The most well-known species of elderberry are Sambucus nigra and Sambucus canadensis known as European elder and American elder respectively, but both also carry the name of common elder. The two species are quite similar but the main difference is Sambucus nigra takes up a tree-like shape and is found in Europe while Sambucus canadensis is a deciduous shrub found in North America (Thomas, 2015). For the purpose of this entry, common elderberry will only be referring to Sambucus canadensis unless stated otherwise.
Common elderberry is a deciduous shrub 3 to 15 feet tall with brittle twigs, silvery to yellow-grey smooth-bark with lenticels (Voigt, 2013). Leaves are opposite and have a long taper which meets at a pointed lip. They also typically have a short stalk (Minnesota Wildflowers). Flowers have flat to dome-shaped clusters three to 10 inches in diameter, the colour of the flowers tends to be white and a pale white ovary is found in the centre. The fruit is a purple-black berry, containing three to five seeds and they hang from the stems (Minnesota Wildflowers). Fruit usually forms between mid-August and early September (Schooley 2021). In the northeast region of North America, there are 11 different types of common elderberry varieties including Adams Number 1, Adams Number 2, Coomer, Berry Hill, Good barn, Johns, Kent, Nova, Victoria, Scotia and York. Each one of these varieties has its own unique use and unique properties.
Habitat and Geographic Origin
Common elderberries grow in open or semi-open areas where conditions are suitable for seed germination and plant growth. Common elderberries don’t require much sunlight and can even be found under closed canopies (Charlebois et al., 2010). The berry commonly grows in the wild in much of eastern North America but specifically in Canada, it grows mostly in southern Ontario as shown in figure 2.0 (Schooley 2021). Elderberry’s adaptations to a variety of climate conditions have allowed it to have an extensive distribution range (Charlebois et al., 2010). This is due to the plant's low demands, it only requires ample moisture and a sufficient amount of light for proper growth. In North America, elderberries can often be found in roadside ditches that provide a moist environment (Charlebois et al., 2010).
Indigenous Background
The common elderberry holds significant value to the Indigenous people of Canada (Kuhnlein and Turner, 1991). In the middle ages, elderberry was known as the “Holy Tree” and many believed it was capable of maintaining good health and aiding in longevity (Stevens, 2001). The berries were eaten fresh or dried by many Indigenous groups in Canada including the; Iroquois, Ojibwa, Algonquin, Micmac and Malecite (Kuhnlein and Turner, 1991). Most of the tribes associated with the common elderberry reside in the eastern woodlands of Canada (Figure 3.0).
Consumption and Uses
Common elderberry can be consumed in a variety of ways, many indigenous groups consumed elderberries in the form of syrups and jam (Adkins Arboretum, 2021). The common elderberry, when raw, can be toxic to humans and cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea this is due to its chemical properties of lectin and cyanide, but when cooked the common elderberry is safe to eat (Breen, 2022). The preparation of elderberries first starts with the removal of its toxins. To prepare the common elderberry it must first be boiled with water until the fruit is softened. Only the blue and purple berries of the common elderberry are safe to eat, sometimes the plant can produce red berries which can be toxic to humans (Breen, 2022). The berries are consumed in various ways including elderberry wine, syrup, and jam (Stevens, 2001). The branches and wood parts of the bush served as many accoutrements such as flutes and whistles, clapper sticks, a firestarter, and tender for fire (Alderson, 2017). This information pertains to the Cahuilla tribe which is based in California. Elderberries were also used as basketry made from the twigs and stems of the plant (Alderson, 2017).
Health Benefits
One of the main benefits of elderberries is their medicinal value. In folk medicine, elderberries are known for their diaphoretic and laxative properties, which help with common stomach problems like diarrhea (Charlebois, 2007). Elderberries in folk medicine are also believed to treat many illnesses like stomach aches, the common cold, rheumatism, constipation and sore throats. Elderberry’s medicinal value stems from its antioxidant potential, which is a substance that can protect your cells against free radicals. The elderberry has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of all the small fruits, even higher than cranberry and blueberry, which are two fruits known for their high antioxidant levels (Charlebois, 2007).
The flowers of the plant also supply health benefits, Elderberry flowers have flavenoids and rutin, both plant pigments that have been proven when consumed to help boost the immune system (Stevens, 2001). The berry also possesses a fair amount of anthocyanins, which are proven to provide protection towards lipid and protein oxidation (Charlebois, 2007). On a more general note, anthocyanins are proven to possess antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects (Charlebois, 2007). As seen in Table 1.0, the amount of calories Elderberries contains is the most out of all of the small fruits. The elderberry also leads in iron content, Vitamin A content, and phosphorus content, and is second in Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C content.
References
1.Breen, P. (2022). Landscape plants. Sambucus racemosa | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University. Retrieved from https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/sambucus-racemosa?fbclid=IwAR3RYtX_xPC1BVQF0s26O0jgjyBFirvVkDKLXN2LuxcZpIUAtUWa3aGD8PA
2.Schooley, K. (2021). Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Elderberries for Home Gardens. Retrieved from http://omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/95-005.htm
3.Stevens, M. (2001). Plant Guide for common elderberry (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. Canadensis (L.) R. Bolli.USDA-National Resources
4.Missouri Botanical Garden. (2010). Sambucus Canadensis . Sambucus canadensis - plant finder. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f470#:~:text=Sambucus%20canadensis%2C%20commonly%20called%20American,throughout%20the%20State%20of%20Missouri.
5.Kuhnlein, H and Turner, N. (1991). Traditional Plant Foods of Canadian Indigenous Peoples. Cameron Lake (northern BC). Retrieved from https://hudsonshope.ca/adventure/campgrounds/cameron-lake/
6.Thomas, A. L., Byers, P. L., Avery, J. D., Jr, Kaps, M., Gu, S., Johnson, H. Y., & Millican, M. (2015). 'Marge': a European Elderberry for North American Producers. Acta horticulturae, 1061, 191–199. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1061.20
7.Voigt, C. E. (2013). Elderberry, Herb of the Year 2013. Retrieved from: https://jhawkins54.typepad.com/files/elderberry-hoy-document.pdf
8.Schmitzer, Valentina & Veberic, Robert & Stampar, Franci. (2012). European elderberry (Sambucus Nigra L.) and American Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis L.): Botanical, chemical and health properties of flowers, berries and their products.
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12.Alderson, L. A. (n.d.). Edible elderberries – which is safe... GardensAll. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.gardensall.com/sambucus-canadensis/
13.Charlelebois, D. (2007). Elderberry as a Medicinal Plant. Baby Bear Farms. Retrieved from, http://www.babybearsfarm.com/uploads/7/1/2/5/71259929/charlebois284-292.pdf
14.The Eastern Woodlands People. The Aboriginals of Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://isabelaboriginalproject.weebly.com/the-eastern-woodlands-people.html
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