Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra, commonly known as elder or European elder, is a species of elderberry native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. In Hebrew, it is called שיזף שחור (shizaf shachor). Other relevant translations include Saule noir in French, Holunder in German, and Sambuco in Italian. This deciduous shrub or small tree can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) tall and is recognized by its compound leaves and large, flat clusters of creamy white flowers, which give way to small, dark purple to black berries. The plant is widely cultivated for its ornamental value, and its berries are used in various culinary and medicinal applications. However, all parts of the plant, except the ripe berries, contain cyanogenic glycosides and should be considered toxic if ingested in large quantities. The elderberry has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for its purported immune-boosting and antiviral properties.