Sambucus canadensis

Habitat: Damp to wet soil in fields, clearings, ditches, roadsides, floodplain forests, and swamps; less often in low mesic forests. Frequent to common except at higher elevations in the mountains.

Wildlife value: Butterflies and other insects are attracted to the blooms. Its fruits are eaten by mammals and many species of songbirds. It makes an excellent nesting site for birds and provides cover for quail and pheasants. Deer browse the leaves, twigs and fruit.

Notes: Plants will spread by root sucker and will form thickets if the suckers are not removed. The drupe is an edible fruit and when cooked can be used in pies, pancakes, and jellies. Elderberry flowers and fruits are used in winemaking