This is an Elderberry in bloom.  This tree is on Stonebriar, as you climb the hill from the creek.  It's almost to the big switchback.  But you can see them all around, in wet areas, and next to rocks and walls.  There are some on the hillside on 515 near the WalMart in Blairsville.  

 

Elderberry, or Sambucus spp. is a shrub or small tree that can grow to 30 feet tall.  There are several species:  European Elderberry, Red Elderberry, and American Elderberry which is a species native to North America.  Since the Elderberries that we see are growing in the wild, I'm guessing that these are the native ones.  Let's run with that.  Sambucus canadensis.  

 

You need to know that the leaves, bark, and roots contain poisonous alkaloids and should not be used internally.  But the berries of Sambucus taste delicious, and we dry them and use them in our winter tea.  Some people make wine and jams using the flowers and berries.  

 

Best of all, they are really pretty right now, in bloom.  Be on the lookout for Elderberry.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!