How to Identify and Classify Elderberries
  • 1. Which characteristic is MOST reliable for identifying elderberries to genus (Sambucus)?
A) Plant height
B) Berry color
C) Bark texture
D) Opposite leaf arrangement
  • 2. What type of leaf is characteristic of most elderberry species?
A) Pinnately compound
B) Simple, entire
C) Palmately compound
D) Bipinnately compound
  • 3. The flowers of elderberries are typically arranged in what type of inflorescence?
A) Umbel or panicle
B) Spike
C) Raceme
D) Cyme
  • 4. What color are the berries of *Sambucus canadensis* (American Elderberry) typically?
A) Dark purple to black
B) White
C) Yellow
D) Red
  • 5. Which elderberry species is known for its bright red berries?
A) *Sambucus racemosa*
B) *Sambucus cerulea*
C) *Sambucus canadensis*
D) *Sambucus nigra*
  • 6. What habitat is MOST commonly associated with *Sambucus canadensis*?
A) Sandy beaches
B) Dry, rocky hillsides
C) High-altitude forests
D) Wetlands and disturbed areas
  • 7. Which characteristic helps distinguish *Sambucus nigra* from other elderberries?
A) Blue berries
B) Pointed leaf tips
C) Hairy stems
D) More rounded leaf serrations
  • 8. Which of the following is a poisonous look-alike to elderberries?
A) Blueberries
B) Raspberries
C) Water Hemlock
D) Serviceberries
  • 9. What is the best way to confirm the ID of an elderberry if you are unsure?
A) Taste a small piece of the berry
B) Rely solely on online images
C) Consult a local expert or field guide
D) Ignore any potential look-alikes
  • 10. What is the term for a plant that has both male and female reproductive parts on the same plant?
A) Monoecious
B) Hermaphroditic
C) Androecious
D) Dioecious
  • 11. The term 'glaucous' refers to a plant part that is...
A) Shiny
B) Sticky
C) Covered with a whitish or bluish waxy coating
D) Hairy
  • 12. What is a key characteristic of *Sambucus cerulea* (Blue Elderberry)?
A) Yellow flowers
B) Red berries
C) Blue berries with a powdery bloom
D) Thorny stems
  • 13. Which elderberry species is native to Europe?
A) *Sambucus racemosa*
B) *Sambucus cerulea*
C) *Sambucus nigra*
D) *Sambucus canadensis*
  • 14. What part of the elderberry plant, besides the berries, is sometimes used (with caution) after proper preparation?
A) Stems
B) Flowers
C) Roots
D) Leaves
  • 15. What leaf feature is most important for identification?
A) Leaf color
B) Number of leaflets and arrangement
C) Leaf texture
D) Leaf size
  • 16. Which form of elderberry is commonly used in syrups and jams?
A) Berries
B) Bark
C) Roots
D) Leaves
  • 17. Which is a safe method to prepare elderberries to neutralize any toxicity?
A) Drying
B) Freezing
C) Pickling
D) Cooking
  • 18. What is the fruit structure of an elderberry?
A) Drupe
B) Pome
C) Capsule
D) Berry
  • 19. What type of soil do elderberries prefer?
A) Dry, sandy soil
B) Moist, well-drained soil
C) Clay soil
D) Rocky soil
  • 20. What is the typical height of a mature *Sambucus canadensis* shrub?
A) 1-3 feet
B) 20-30 feet
C) 50-60 feet
D) 5-12 feet
  • 21. Which part of the elderberry can cause cyanide poisoning if ingested raw?
A) Only the flowers
B) Only the roots
C) Only the berries
D) Seeds, stems, and leaves
  • 22. What is the best time of year to harvest elderberries for consumption?
A) Late spring
B) Mid-winter
C) Late summer to early fall
D) Early spring
  • 23. What is a key difference between *Sambucus canadensis* and *Sambucus nigra* in terms of their growth habit?
A) *S. canadensis* is more herbaceous and suckering.
B) *S. canadensis* has a distinct trunk.
C) *S. nigra* is always shorter.
D) *S. nigra* doesn't produce berries.
  • 24. What is the meaning of 'canadensis' in *Sambucus canadensis*?
A) Of or from California
B) Of or from Asia
C) Of or from Canada
D) Of or from Europe
  • 25. Which of these is a common use of elderflowers?
A) Dyeing fabric
B) Making rope
C) Waterproofing wood
D) Making fritters or cordials
  • 26. How can you distinguish elderberry from other similar-looking plants with opposite leaves and berries?
A) Elderberry is the only plant with opposite leaves and berries.
B) Check the thorns; elderberry has thorns.
C) Smell the leaves; elderberry leaves have a strong citrus aroma.
D) Examine the pith of the stems; elderberry has a spongy white pith.
  • 27. What is a tell-tale sign that *Sambucus racemosa* might be present over other varieties?
A) Drooping flower clusters
B) Single flowers
C) Cone-shaped flower clusters
D) Flat-topped flower clusters
  • 28. What is a synonym for *Sambucus nigra*?
A) *Sambucus alba*
B) *Sambucus mexicana*
C) *Sambucus melanocarpa*
D) *Sambucus microbotrya*
  • 29. What is the best way to propagate elderberries?
A) Cuttings
B) Spores
C) Seeds
D) Grafting
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