Sambucus nigra. What could be said in a paragraph about such a storied plant? The natural range of this plant extends from western Europe east to Turkey, and in North America from Maine to Florida, and west to Texas. The plant has powerful medicinal properties in every part of its body, but is probably best known for its black berries that ripen early or mid summer. It is widely used in a variety of medicines and health-promoting concoctions, and has a fine flavor for use in preserves and fermented drinks. The flowers of early to mid June are often used as a food, medicine, and decoration. Elder can grow 10-15 tall with multiple stems that usually have an individual lifespan of 3-5 years. The multi-stemmed shrub can be pruned vigorously as needed without doing any harm, and cuttings from pruning can be directly stuck in the ground in fall or spring to start new plants.

These plants are all a variety called Scotia, which has extremely vigorous growth as well as large flower diameter and large fruits.