Lushootseed Name: sc̓abt (pronounced s-sc-abt)

Location: A small Red Elderberry grows as a shrub just north of the HUB between the pathway and parking lot. A much larger Blue Elderberry grow beside the old Seqouia Stump at the northeast side of Smith Hall.

Summary: Washington State is home to two different species of Elderberry, commonly referred to as Red Elderberry and Blue Elderberry. Here on campus, we have examples of both varieties, which allows for easy comparative identification! Elderberry species may be found across the northern hemisphere, and European varieties are of particular cultural importance for Celtic cultures. This is a plant which may not be universally considered a tree as a result of its lacking true wood, with branches composed of pithy or hollow centers. They nevertheless do approach the size of what might reasonable be considered a tree and so have been included on this tour.

Elderberries have compound leaves, meaning each leaf has a series of opposite leaflets leading up to a terminal leaflet. Telling the difference between these two varieties in the wild is relatively easy based on the different habitats the two grow in. The Red Elderberry is primarily a resident of the west side of the Cascade Mountains, and thrives in wetter sites with enough sunlight trickling through from the upper canopy to support growth. The Blue Elderberry in contrast is most often found closer to the crest of the mountains, or on the east side. It also prefers wetter habitats, but usually chases more open sunlight than its west-side cousin. The flowers of the Red Elderberry appear in clusters which are pointy and cone-shaped in nature, while those of the Blue Elderberry are disk-shaped. The berries which arise from the flowers are carried in similarly shaped clusters to the respective flowers and, no surprise, the Red Elderberry has red berries while the Blue Elderberry has blue ones.

Both of these species have edible berries. However, caution must be advised in the case of the Red Elderberry, since the seeds contain cyanide and when eaten in excess, they can cause grave discomfort (especially when uncooked). One traditional Indigenous method of preparing the berries is by steaming them. The Blue Elderberries contain the compound in far lower quantities and thus are far more suitable for snacking. Elk and Deer also graze on both of these species. The Elderberry’s connection to the human species includes a myriad of medicinal properties. The roots and bark can be used to induce vomiting or as a laxative, while externally they relieve sore joints, abscesses, and aches. Uncooked berries have antiviral properties; thus, the Blue Elderberries are the preferred fruit for consumption as a medicine (to avoid eating the toxic seeds of the Red Elderberry raw). Elderberry trees of both varieties can thrive in a cultivated setting as an understory tree or shrub.