Elderberry (genus Sambucus) typically appears as a shrub or small tree growing 5 to 15 feet tall, often with multiple stems originating from the base. Its bark is light gray to brown with shallow furrows and distinct darker raised lenticels (small raised spots)

. Leaves: Elderberry has compound (pinnate) leaves with 5 to 11 leaflets per leaf, usually 7-9. Each leaflet is lance-shaped to oblong, 2-5 inches long, with serrated edges. The leaflets are arranged opposite each other on the leaf stalk

. Flowers: The plant produces large clusters (umbels or cymes) of small white to creamy-white flowers, each with 4-5 petals about 3 mm wide. These flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are highly scented

. Fruits: Elderberry fruits are small, dark purple to black berries about 6 mm in diameter, growing in large clusters. The berries ripen in late summer to fall

. Winter characteristics: In winter, elderberry is identifiable by its gray bark with raised lenticels, opposite-arranged buds without a terminal bud, and twigs with a white spongy pith inside

. In summary, elderberry looks like a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with compound serrated leaves, clusters of small white flowers, and dark purple- black berries in clusters