Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry)

Fragrant white flowers and bountiful berries make this shrub popular with humans and wildlife. It provides nesting habitat for birds and many eat the fruit later in the season, including cardinals, catbirds, and wood thrushes. Elderberry grows quickly and produces suckers. Cut back stems every few years for fresh growth. Prefers medium to wet soil.

Elderberry flowers and berries are edible when properly cooked. Only eat plants that you can positively identify. Also called Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis.