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PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions

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BRIEF: Are elderberries poisonous to humans?


QUESTION:
I was looking at the list of poisionous Plants and saw Elderberry on the list. I was going to make Elderberry Wine and friend made so and it was good. Are the berries dangerous or is it the leaves of the plant that are poisionous?

ANSWER:
The ripe berries add some high color to wine, without harm. The leaves, roots, stem contain some unknown alkaloids, some cyanogens and in some soils, excess nitrates. A high dose of berries can make one sick, but not a little wine.