About 30 different bushes and small trees belonging to the genus Sambuca are known as elderberries, or simply elders. Elderberry species grow quickly and inhabit most subtropical and temperate regions. Nearly all elderberry varieties produce large clusters of small white or yellowish flowers in the late spring or early summer, followed by wide bunches of berries. The elderberry fruit varies in color from yellow to red to bluish-black and can be used to make wines, jellies, syrups, pie fillings, and other edible items. The berries are not palatable to humans when they are uncooked, however, since they contain small quantities of poisonous alkaloids.