Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis
Height: 6-8 feet
Width: 4-6 feet
Growth Rate: Fast growing
Habitat: Sandy, loam or clay soils, wet to moderate moisture, full sun to full shade.
Spacing: 6' x 6' to 10' x 10'
American Elderberry or Elder is a medium to large spreading shrub, native to Michigan. It flowers in mid-summer and has dark purple fruits in late fall. The berries are very high in wildlife value for birds, deer and small mammals. They are also very rich in vitamin C and can be used for jams and jellies. Even though the berries are edible, all other parts of the plant are toxic. American Elderberry is drought resistant and resistant to soil compaction. It transplants well and is flood tolerant, but is salt sensitive.
More Info: http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/s/samcan/samcan1.html