This Common Texas Superplant Can Be Eaten Raw in the Wild

It's rare when you can stop at the side of the road and pluck a random plant without suffering any consequences. Luckily, Texas has many plants that are not only harmless, but may offer positive effects as well.

Take, for example, the humble elderberry. Unassuming to look at, but packed with beneficial nutrients and immune-boosting properties—even when eaten raw!

Elderberry Plants in Texas

Mostly found along streams and other wetter areas across the country with heights reaching up to 30 feet, elderberry flowers are noticeable due to their signature 'cauliflower' appearance.

Not many people know that these flowers are actually edible, as long as you can get past the musky aroma.

You've seen these all over in Texas. They're the big plant with lots of small umbrella clusters of white flowers. Take a look:

Texas Elderberry Benefits

Unlike the flowers of elderberry plants, the berries themselves must be cooked before eating. Elderberry extracts are used in flu medication across the world as they may help reduce the severity of influenza and colds.

In fact, studies have shown that those who took elderberry pills three times a day had fewer illness symptoms and got sick less than those who didn't take any pills.

So, what makes elderberry plants so beneficial? That would be the fact that the berries are rich in antioxidants and are believed to have positive effects on the heart as well.

Other nutritional benefits of elderberries include the following:

• High in vitamin C
  • 52mg of vitamin C per cup—57% of the daily recommended value
• High in dietary fiber
  • 10g of fiber per cup—36% of daily value
• Good source of phenolic acids and flavanols
  • These can serve as antioxidants that help boost the immune system