American elderberry is a woody, deciduous shrub or small tree that spreads to form thickets along marshes or moist forests, although it can tolerate drier soils in full sun or part shade. Mid-May through June it is covered with white flowers, which develop purple-black, edible fruit in late summer.  Wildlife are attracted to the fruit, and use the shrub for cover/nesting.  Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees. The fruit is edible when cooked and can be used in pies, pancakes, and jellies. Elderberry flowers and fruits are used in winemaking.  Note: This plant has low severity poison characteristics. 
 
Indoors, sow seeds 1/4" deep after stratification in warm conditions for several months, followed by cold stratification for three months. Seed can also be sown directly outdoors in the fall.