We love Elderberry,  Sambucus nigra.

 

It is usually a shrub, but can grow up to 30 feet tall.  And it's blooming now, all along the roadways, especially next to rocks and walls.  There are several in our neighborhood, mostly down by the creek.  Look for it.  It's really pretty.

 

Some people make wine from the berries, but we've found that the birds get most of them.  That's ok, we collect enough  for our tea.  The leaves, bark, and roots contain poisonous alkaloids, and should NOT be taken internally.  But the ripe berries are interesting.  They are often prepared as a syrup to treat coughs and colds.  We just boil the berries and add them to our morning tea.  

 

I recently read that you can deter moles in your yard by poking elderberry sticks in the mole holes.  I'll let you know how THAT works out.  ;).

 

I just love seeing it in bloom!!!

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!!