Elderberry

Serves as a host to several species of butterfly and moth, including the Polyphemous moth (Antheraea polyphemus).

Sambucus canadensis, commonly called American elder, is native to eastern North America. It is a deciduous, somewhat sprawling, suckering shrub that typically grows to 5-12’ tall. Tiny lemon-scented white flowers appear in large flat-topped clusters (cymes to 10” across) in June. Flowers give way to clusters of black elderberry fruits (drupes) in late summer. Fruits of these plants are sometimes used to make jams, jellies, pie fillings, and elderberry wine. Fruits are attractive to wildlife. American elder (Sambucus canadensis) and European elder (Sambucus nigra) are closely related plants. Some authorities consider this plant to be a subspecies or variety of Sambucus nigra instead of a separate species. (From Mt. Cuba Center)