Elderberry vs Pokeberry-the Shocking Difference of the 2!

Elderberry vs pokeberry, do you know the difference? The difference between elderberry vs pokeberry is easy if you know what to look for. Identifying the elderberry and the pokeberry is crucial to understand which one is poisonous and which one is used for better health.

If you can find wild elderberry for making syrup, tea, and gummies, it will save you so much money from buying the dehydrated berries or the end product which is very costly. But first, you know the difference between elderberry vs pokeberry, or you may become violently sick or worse!

Elderberry vs Pokeberry Video Tutorial

What Elderberry vs Pokeberry Leaves Look Like

As seen in the video, the elderberry leaves have a jagged or sawtooth leaf. Most plants will have 5 up to 9 leaves on each individual stem. The leaves are more of an oblong shape versus a rounded leaf.

What Pokeberry Leaves Look Like

Pokeberry leaves look like large arranged leaves that appear to be smooth. The leaves are oval and taper to a point. The average leaf ranges from 4 to 20 inches in length. The width of the pokeberry leaf is usually about one-third wide as they are in length.

Pokeberry aka as Pokeweed Phytolacca americana is an invasive perennial plant. It grows up to 12 feet, I know, I am looking at it through my windows. But no worries, here, I use the berries for dye. The leaves look like smooth and not a sawtooth-like the elderberry. The shape is more of an egg-shape versus the fine point of the elderberry.

Where Does Elderberry vs Pokeberry Grow?

Elderberry and pokeberry love to thrive along roadsides and along the riverbanks. They thrive in a marsh and other wet areas. But they can grow in any yard.

The elderberry plants will do better in a partial-sun area if possible. The soil should be more acid than not. It is best to make sure the soil has good drainage and water them well.

Last year, 2020, we purchased 2 plants and planted them in our Hügelkultur Raised Beds and they are budding this spring! Interested in Hügelkultur Raised Beds, check out the interesting post on how you can build them, very easily!

Can Elderberries Kill You?

The elderberry is an oxymoron, on one hand, it can kill you, but properly preserved, it can give you better health. The raw elderberry no matter how ripe it is, in the raw state, can kill you and your pets. Dehydrating only the ripe ones ensures you will be safe to consume the berries to make syrups, gummies, tonics, etc.

If you would love to have elderberry syrup recipes, how to make it with an Instant Pot, on the woodstove, or even using an electric candle warmer, you can read so much more on my blog, Amazing Benefits of Elderberry!

Frequently Asked Questions

In Conclusion on Elderberry vs Pokeberry

It amazes me how 2 plants that can look very similar can have two totally different qualities. The pokeberry is a toxic plant and the elderberry can be a toxic plant. Knowing the difference between elderberry vs pokeberry is vital if you plan on harvesting any part of the elderberry plant to dry or make tea with the elderberry flowers.

If you would like to read more information on Elderberry Benefits and Dangers, check out Healthline’s post for their recommendations.

If you are a dyer, like me, don’t discount the pokeberries for dyeing. Just be use proper protection and read more about it before venturing into dyeing with a poisonous plant!

More Valuable Garden Links

It’s Springtime and you know what that means! Time to plant those seeds, and if you haven’t gotten your seeds yet, here is a tip! Dollar Tree is the best place you can go! 5 Shocking Reasons To Buy Dollar Tree Seeds will tell you exactly why they have the best seeds but have no fear! Once you get your seeds, let me help you with your Seed Organization In 6 Amazingly Simple Ways!

When you start your seed babies, make sure you read into it because let me tell you, Vermiculite Vs Perlite is a complete gardening game changer!

Interested in more gardening tips and tricks? Visit 12 Gardening Tips for Beginners to learn the basics needed to plant your own garden!

Vertical Gardens for Small Spaces is also beneficial, and gives you the opportunity to plant a garden with minimal space needed!

Want to learn how to make your own natural soil for your new garden? Check out Making Compost Naturally into Gardening Soil. Don’t know what you can compost? Many Incredible Uses for Eggshells will help start some ideas!

In my own garden, I only like to use my Manure Tea Recipe in my Hügelkultur Raised Beds, container gardening planters (which you can find in my Guide to Container Gardening post), and even in the Oya and Ollas that get the liquid fertilizer. I do like to switch out the manure tea every other week with my Fish Emulsion Fertilizer (read more about that).

Need some ideas on what to grow this year in your garden? 11 Great Plants to Regrow From Cuttings is all you need!

Now that you’ve grown your garden, a couple of key factors to make your bounty last longer that would be beneficial would be Methods of Drying Herbs and Dehydrate Food Naturally Using a Dehydrator. These methods allow you to keep what you have grown all year round for your enjoyment!

You’ve grown your garden, but did you grow your gourds? You should’ve! Growing Gourds for Birdhouses, in Containers and For-Profit, can show you the many different ideas that you can make with all different types of gourds!

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