American black elderberry is a native shrub that can grow to 2-4 meters in height.  
This species flowers in June to July. Fruits ripen in August to September and are eaten by many species of birds and mammals.
 
Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat colds and flu. 
 
The flowers of this species are used to make wine and the fruits are used to make pies and various jams and preserves.  As some people react negatively to the raw fruit, they should not be eaten unless cooked.