Included in this key are only those species found in the area surveyed at Buttermilk Falls State Park.

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Vascular Plants of the Gorge at
Buttermilk Falls State Park (Ithaca, NY)

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Elderberries

Only two species of unarmed shrubs with opposite, compound leaves were found within the area surveyed for this project.  Both species are in the genus Sambucus (elderberries).  In the absence of flowers or fruits, it could be more difficult to distinguish them.

Red elderberry is much more abundant in the area surveyed, and occurs in numerous places along both the gorge and rim trails.  Common elderberry occurs in only one location - along the upper gorge trail.

The edges of the leaves of red elderberry are finely toothed, compared with those of common elderberry, which are more coarsely toothed.

The mature fruits of red elderberry are bright red.  The mature fruits of common elderberry are black.

The inflorescence of red elderberry tends to be peaked or domed in shape, compared with the inflorescence of common elderberry, which tends to be flat or slightly convex.

(Click one of the pictures below that corresponds to your choice.)

Images and text copyright  Arieh Tal, 2017-2022.  All rights reserved.  (  Terms of Use  )