Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra is a temperate species of tree or shrub in the family Viburnaceae, native to the Azores, Europe, and the Middle East, and known by common names including elder, elderberry, black elder, and European elder. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree usually reaching about 6 meters in height and width, occasionally up to 10 meters, and it favors both moist and dry fertile soil in sunny locations. In late spring and midsummer it produces large flat clusters of ivory white flowers, followed in autumn by drooping clusters of glossy dark purple to black berries. Both the flowers and berries are used traditionally in foods such as cordial and wine, though clinical evidence for health benefits claimed in dietary supplements has not been established.