Wild elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) is a beautiful, vigorous shrub that has many uses for human consumption and loved by wildlife.

Many species of birds will quickly strip the ripe berries from the plants and smaller species of wildlife will take refuge under the thick canopy of leaves.

Elderberries are used for making pies, jams, candies, syrup, cough medicine, juice, and wine. The fruit is also said to have powerful immune boosting qualities and the blooms can be consumed and have many health benefits as well.

Elderberries prefer rich, moist well drained soil and are very cold hardy.