Elderberry plants are known for their medicinal and culinary uses, and their distinct appearance makes them easy to identify in the wild.
However, there are several plants that resemble elderberry, making it difficult for even experienced foragers to distinguish them.
Mistaking these lookalikes for elderberry can lead to serious health complications, as some of them are toxic.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 10 plants that look like elderberry, and help you identify the key differences between them.
So whether you’re a seasoned forager or a novice, read on to learn how to distinguish elderberry from its lookalikes.
1.Pokeberry (Phytolacca americana)
Pokeberry is a common plant that can be found throughout North America.
It is often mistaken for elderberry due to its similar appearance, but there are several key differences that can help you tell them apart.
- Pokeberry leaves are smooth and shiny, while elderberry leaves are matte and slightly fuzzy.
- Pokeberry stems are thick and red, while elderberry stems are thin and green.
- Pokeberry fruit clusters are long and drooping, while elderberry fruit clusters are round and upright.
It’s important to note that pokeberry is toxic and should not be consumed.
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2.Red-berried Elder (Sambucus racemosa)
Red-berried elder is a close relative of the elderberry, and its appearance is very similar.
However, there are a few key differences that can help you distinguish between the two.
- Red-berried elder has bright red berries, while elderberry has dark purple/black berries.
- Red-berried elder leaves are smooth and shiny, while elderberry leaves are matte and slightly fuzzy.
- Red-berried elder stems are thin and green, while elderberry stems are thicker and brownish-grey.
Red-berried elder is safe to consume, but its berries are not as sweet as elderberry.
3.American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
American beautyberry is a shrub that is native to the southeastern United States.
It is often mistaken for elderberry due to its similar appearance, but there are several key differences that can help you tell them apart.
- American beautyberry has bright purple berries, while elderberry has dark purple/black berries.
- American beautyberry leaves are larger and more ovate than elderberry leaves.
- American beautyberry fruit clusters are spaced further apart than elderberry fruit clusters.
American beautyberry is not toxic, but its berries are not commonly used for culinary purposes.
4.Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
Black chokeberry is a deciduous shrub that is native to eastern North America.
It is often mistaken for elderberry due to its similar appearance, but there are several key differences that can help you tell them apart.
- Black chokeberry has shiny, black berries, while elderberry has dark purple/black berries.
- Black chokeberry leaves are shiny and oval-shaped, while elderberry leaves are matte and slightly fuzzy.
- Black chokeberry fruit clusters are smaller and denser than elderberry fruit clusters.
Black chokeberry is safe to consume, but its berries are very tart and are often used in jams and jellies.
5.Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Wild black cherry is a tree that is native to eastern North America. Its leaves and fruit resemble those of elderberry, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two.
- Wild black cherry leaves are serrated and shiny, while elderberry leaves are matte and slightly fuzzy.
- Wild black cherry fruit clusters are long and drooping, while elderberry fruit clusters are round and upright.
- Wild black cherry has a distinct almond-like scent when the leaves or bark are crushed, while elderberry does not have a strong scent.
It’s important to note that wild black cherry leaves and bark contain cyanide and should not be consumed.
6.Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
Nannyberry is a shrub or small tree that is native to eastern North America.
Its leaves and fruit clusters resemble those of elderberry, but there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart.
- Nannyberry fruit clusters are elongated and hang vertically, while elderberry fruit clusters are round and upright.
- Nannyberry leaves are shiny and pointed, while elderberry leaves are matte and slightly fuzzy.
- Nannyberry has a distinct reddish-brown bark, while elderberry has a smooth greyish-brown bark.
Nannyberry fruit is safe to consume and is often used for making jams and jellies.
7.Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
Black haw is a small tree or shrub that is native to eastern North America.
Its leaves and fruit clusters resemble those of elderberry, but there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart.
- Black haw has shiny, oval-shaped leaves, while elderberry leaves are matte and slightly fuzzy.
- Black haw fruit clusters are more elongated than elderberry fruit clusters.
- Black haw bark is smooth and grey, while elderberry bark is rough and greyish-brown.
Black haw fruit is safe to consume and is often used for making jams and jellies.
8.Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)
Arrowwood is a shrub that is native to eastern North America.
Its leaves and fruit clusters resemble those of elderberry, but there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart.
- Arrowwood has shiny, ovate leaves, while elderberry leaves are matte and slightly fuzzy.
- Arrowwood fruit clusters are more elongated than elderberry fruit clusters.
- Arrowwood bark is smooth and grey, while elderberry bark is rough and greyish-brown.
Arrowwood fruit is safe to consume and is often used for making jams and jellies.
9.Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)
Coralberry is a small shrub that is native to eastern North America.
Its leaves and fruit clusters resemble those of elderberry, but there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart.
- Coralberry has bright pink to purple berries, while elderberry has dark purple/black berries.
- Coralberry fruit clusters are more elongated than elderberry fruit clusters.
- Coralberry leaves are small and round, while elderberry leaves are larger and more ovate.
It’s important to note that coralberry is toxic and should not be consumed.
10.Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon grape is a shrub that is native to western North America.
Its leaves and fruit clusters resemble those of elderberry, but there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart.
- Oregon grape has shiny, holly-like leaves, while elderberry leaves are matte and slightly fuzzy.
- Oregon grape fruit clusters are elongated and hang vertically, while elderberry fruit clusters are round and upright.
- Oregon grape has a distinct bluish-purple color, making it easy to distinguish from elderberry.
Oregon grape fruit is safe to consume and is often used for making jams and jellies.
