Sambucus canadensis - Deciduous perennial shrub. 2-3 metres height. Full sun to part shade. Produces large flat clusters of white flowers, followed by dark purple to black coloured berries. The berries and the flowers are edible, but the rest of the plant is toxic. The fruit needs to be cooked before it is eaten. A medicinal plant. Leaves and inner bark are used to make a black dye. Grows in most soil types, requires regular watering during its growing period. Can take quite hard pruning to restrict size, if required. Fruit and flowers attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. A good fast growing shade for animal pens. Long used by Native Americans as a medicine and for food. The dried flowers can be made into a tea.