Elderberries!
Elderberries!
I'm gradually working through my forage wishlist. Next up, persimmons! What's on your wishlist?
I thought I smelled your mom
No, that was OP's dad. OP's mother was a hamster.
Your wishlist has poisonous elderberry?
Yep, just a shame I lose all those useful toxic substances when I cook the berries. All I'm left with is delicious, safe wine.
Not sure if you mean the plant itself but the berries are certainly edible. I’ve eaten many myself. I believe the leaves and other parts can be poisonous but that’s not a problem.
Edit: some online sources are claiming the edibility varies by species. I’ve eaten small quantities many times and moderate amounts (several handfuls) a few times, mostly of Sambucus mexicana, which is a different species than the one pictured which is either S. nigra or canadensis. But I believe those both are edible as well.
S nigra is toxic too. You won't die from eating a few but it's still dangerous, especially to children. It must be cooked to break down the poison. It grows all over in my yard and I have to treat it like poison ivy.
I've heard nannyberries are tasty, but I've only ever seen them unripe in the summer. Maybe some day...