pubens (red—berried elder). The two are somewhat similar in 
     
     appearance, although there are key differences. 
     
    

    
     Perhaps the distinction most obvious to the casual observer 
     
     lies with the fruit. That of the red-berried elder appears in June 
     
     or July, while the berries of the common elder, are not apparent 
     
     until August or September. Although the fruit of the red-berried 
     
     elder is generally bright scarlet and easily distinguished from the 
     
     darker berry of the common elder, there is a variety of the red- 
     
     berried elder with very dark fruit (var. melanocarpus). This is 
     
     notable, as the fruit of the red-berried elder is quite toxic when 
     
     unripe and retains strong laxative and purgative properties even 
     
     when mature. Berries of the common elder have no such 
     
     unpleasantness thus it is important to properly identify the 
     
     species if collecting berries for jellies, wine or any other food 
     
     or drink. Berries of both species are very high in Vitamin C — 
     
     higher even than oranges or tomatoes. With the exception of the 
     
     berries and flowers, all other parts of both species are considered 
     
     toxic to humans. It has been reported that children have become 
     
     ill from using the hollowed-out branches as blowguns (Gaudet, 
     
     1979), although at least one person I know has admitted to engaging 
     
     in this activity without any adverse effects. other differences 
     
     between the species are given below. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Aspect Common Elder Red-Berried Elder 
     
     Habitat moist areas drier areas 
     
     Height < 8 feet < 12 feet 
     
     Bud; Twig Greenish, 0.25 inch Brownish, up to 0.50 
     
     wide; white pith inch wide; orange- 
     
     brown pith 
     
     Bark Greenish in young Light brown or grey 
     
    
   
   
    
     plants, brown or grey 
     
     in mature plants 
     
    
   
   
    
     Flowers Creamy white flat C r e a m y w h i t e 
     
     clusters seen in pyramid-shaped 
     
     June to August clusters seen in 
     
    
   
   
    
     April to May 
     
    
   
   
    
     Finally, in addition to its extensive use to humans, elder is 
     
     a valuable shrub to wildlife. Berries are an important food source 
     
     for a variety of birds including grouse, blue jay, robin, waxwing, 
     
     and grosbeak; mammals such as skunk, raccoon, hare, fox, and 
     
     possibly coyote also feed on the berries. Buds and twigs are eaten 
     
     by grouse and hare. A more detailed account of wildlife uses and 
     
    
   
   
    
     ‘ Populus = poplar; Grand = large; Dent = tooth (think 
     
     dentist)