06/19/2026
Did you know elderberries are native to Illinois?
Long before elderberries became a popular wellness ingredient, Native American tribes throughout the Midwest recognized the value of the American elderberry. The plant was widely used for food, dyes, tools, and traditional remedies. Elderberries, flowers, bark, and roots all played important roles in daily life and were often used to support wellness during seasonal illnesses.
Today, you can still find wild elderberries growing along Illinois prairies, roadsides, riverbanks, and trails. It's a reminder that one of nature's most treasured plants has been part of our landscape and history for centuries.
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