Elderberry (2)

Red Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa

Family: Elderberry (Adoxaceae)
AKA: Red-berried Elder
Photo taken on: June 18, 2005
Location: Trail 409, GV, CO
Life Zones: Montane to subalpine
Habitat: Slopes, roadsides, fir-spruce forests

A shrub growing to 10 feet with large, sharp-toothed leaves. Flowers are tiny and grow in pyramid shaped clusters. Fruits are juicy and usually bright red but can be white or yellow. They are not edible for humans but are enjoyed by bears, deer and elk.

Black Elderberry
Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis

Family: Elderberry (Adoxaceae)
AKA: Common Elderberry, American Elderberry
Photo taken on: June 22, 2007
Location: Snodgrass, GV, CO
Life Zones: Montane
Habitat: Forest openings

A shrub growing to 12 feet tall with leaves divided into pairs of toothed leaflets. Flowers grow in a broad, flat cluster up to 10" across. The dark purple fruit is edible for all creatures.