Elderberries are deciduous shrubs and small trees are found in temperate and subtropical regions in hedgerows and woodlands and along roadsides in Europe, Africa and Australia and throughout North and South America.  In Britain the common elder, Sambucus nigra is often grown in the ornamental parts of the garden, but it's attractive flowers and autumn berries have many practical uses.  In the United States S. canadensis, the sweet elder, is usually grown.  Since the earliest times the elder has been associated with myth and magic and with witchcraft and spells, but its value in medicinal, household, culinary and cosmetic preparations has long been appreciated.  Old herbals are filled with recipes for using the flowers, shoots, buds and berries and distilled elderflower water was said to endure a fair complexion.