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Wetland and Aquatic Plants
of
Oklahoma
Interactive Keys: Woody
Shrubs and Vines
2.
Leaves Opposite
Honeysuckle
(Caprifoliaceae)
Elderberry
(Sambucus
canadensis L.)
Native
perennial.
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Note: The fruits (drupes) are eaten by numerous
bird and
mammal species. Elderberry also
provides nesting habitat. The twigs and
foliage are browsed by white-tailed deer. Elderberry
longhorn beetles (Desmocerus palliatus)
eats the
pollen and nectar. It also lays eggs at
the base of the plant. The larvae feed
on the roots. The fruits are used to
make jelly and wine. It was used by the
Cherokee to treat rheumatism, burns, dropsy, headaches and other
diseases. The Choctaw used it to treat
liver
ailments. The Creek used it to treat
swollen breasts. The Delaware used it
to treat wounds, sores, jaundice, and colic. Seminole
used it to treat stomachaches. The berries
were made into jellies and wine and
eaten by several tribes.
NWI status:
FACW-
Last update: 2/16/04
Comments to : Bruce Hoagland
bhoagland@ou.edu
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