Red Elderberry

Even though animals and birds may eat the fruit humans should not eat the fruit. Fruit not palatable to humans and may be slightly poisonous, although it is harmless when cooked. The red elderberry contains a cyanogenetic glycoside and an alkaloid that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal pain. The berries contain very little of these substances, the stems contain moderate amounts, and the roots contain enough to cause death to hogs. Medical uses have been made of all parts. Do not eat the fruit of this plant.