Sambucus mexicana

Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, this deciduous shrub or small tree belongs to the Viburnaceae family. It can reach about 30 feet tall and has compound leaves with toothed leaflets. Broad clusters of cream-white flowers are followed by nearly black berries with a whitish coating that gives them a blue appearance. Ripe berries feed birds, and cooked berries are used in pies, jams, and wine. Leaves and stems are poisonous if eaten. It grows along riverbanks and on drier slopes. Photographed in Florida.