Black elder is a tree-like shrub that blooms from June to August with clusters of star-shaped flowers. Ranging from white to creamy yellow in color, the fragrant flowers are easily harvested by shaking them into a bag or basket.

By autumn, the elder plant produces small purple-black fruits (elderberries) that are a popular herbal remedy for the common cold. Like elderberries, elder flower teas and infusions are recommended by herbalists to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. The flowers are also a diaphoretic that, along with yarrow and peppermint, can help bring down a fever.

With its sweet scent and mild floral flavor, dried elder flowers are popular in summer beverages and are often tinctured or infused for use in hair and skin products.

Elder flowers and elderberries are safe when prepared correctly (cooked or extracted), but other parts of the elder plant should not be consumed.