text: what exactly are elderberries?   elder or elderberry (sambucus) is a genus of between 5-30 species of fast-growing shrubs or small trees (two species herbaceous), formerly treated in the honeysuckle family caprifoliaceae, but now shown by genetic evidence to be correctly classified in the moschatel family adoxaceae. the genus is native to temperate to subtropical regions of both the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere; the genus is more widespread in the northern hemisphere, with southern hemisphere occurrence restricted to parts of australasia and south america.  the leaves are opposite, pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets (rarely 3 or 11), each leaf 5-30 cm long, the leaflets with a serrated margin. they bear large clusters of small white or cream coloured flowers in the late spring, that are followed by clusters of small red, bluish or black (rarely yellow or white) berries. species have lifespans between 80 and 100 years.  the berries are a very valuable food resource for many birds. elders are used as food plants by the larvae of some lepidoptera species including brown-tail, buff ermine, dot moth, emperor moth, the engrailed, swallow-tailed moth and the v-pug. the crushed foliage and immature fruit have a strong foetid smell.  they are good for cooking too - see link 2