Burn through Elderberry and ViBurnUm

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Herbarium once again seeks the aid of Citizen Scientists. We’d like you to join us for an Expedition through the Adoxaceae (moschatel) family .

While the Adoxaceae has around five genera within its family worldwide, only two – Sambucus and Viburnum — are native to the Southeastern United States.

The genus Sambucus, commonly known as Elderberry, are shrubs that have beautiful, deep colored berries ranging from the rare white and yellow to the more common red, black and blue black. These berries are preceded in the spring by small, dainty flowers. Not only is Elderberry lovely in appearance, but it is also used in wines, jams and syrups!

The genus Viburnum, like Sambucus, has berries, but most species are not edible by people. Viburnum is a garden favorite for its spring blooming flowers, vibrant fall foliage, and fruits relished by wildlife. The coolness factor for Viburnum is elevated when one realizes that one common name, Arrowwood, is not a fiction. Viburnum twigs make very sturdy arrow shafts!

Please help us map these shrubs across the Southeastern United States, and thank you for your company on our Expedition.