Scientific Name
Sambucus pubens
Common Name
Red-berried elder

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous shrubs with soft wood and large, brown pith; leaves opposite, pinnately divided with 5-7 leaflets, toothed on the margin; flowers small, 3-5-parted, creamy white, in large rounded clusters; fruit a small, red berry.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Mountains.
Where Found
Forest or natural areas in moist woods and fields at high elevations.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coma.
Edibility
NOT EDIBLE.
Toxic Principle
Cyanogenic glycoside and alkaloid.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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