Black elderberries are used in making jams, jellies, pies, and even wine by some. The flower heads can be picked, battered and deep fried for a nutritious meal as well. It is a beautiful deciduous landscape shrub or small tree to 6 meters in height that attracts birds. Do not eat the seeds or any part of the plant other than the berries and flowers. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by flies. It is noted for attracting wildlife. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution. Edible fruit when cooked makes delicious jams, preserves, pies and so forth. It can be used fresh or dried, the dried fruit being less bitter. The fruit is used to add flavour and colour to preserves, jams, pies, sauces, chutneys etc., it is also often used to make wine. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters.