Elderberries have been used for many years for medicinal and culinary purposes. They have a sweet yet tart flavor that is very similar to blackberries. In cooking, elderberries are used most commonly for making jams, pies, and drinks. Elderberries have been known to be confused with a highly toxic plant known as hemlock, which is very similar in appearance and similar in growth habits as well. Both of these plants can be found growing in wet, moist habitats. For this reason it is highly dangerous for someone who is not familiar with the difference between these two plants to gather elderberries.