It was formerly placed in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, but was reclassified due to genetic evidence. Two of its species are herbaceous.
The genus is native in temperate-to-subtropical regions of both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.
The leaves are pinnate with 5–9 leaflets.
Each leaf is 5–30 cm long, and the leaflets have serrated margins.
They bear large clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers in late spring; these are followed by clusters of small black, blue-black, or red berries.
The flowers of Sambucus nigra are used to produce elderflower cordial.
The French, Austrians and Central Europeans produce elderflower syrup, commonly made from an extract of elderflower blossoms, which is added to pancake mixes instead of blueberries.
Wines, cordials and marmalade have been produced from the berries.
In Italy and Germany the umbels of the elderberry are batter coated, fried and then served as a dessert or a sweet lunch with a sugar and cinnamon topping.
Black elderberry has been used medicinally for hundreds of years.
Sambucus nigra L. may be an effective treatment for H1N1 flu.