Sometimes called a japanese maple for the far north. Sambucus Nigra Black Lace as lace leaf foliage that is a stunning black color that is hardy in zones 4-7.

I really like this plant, the foliage is hard to find elsewhere and then it is also topped with pinkish white flowers. Technically the flowers and the berries are both edible, you can make elderberry syrup or jam, and I guess even cook the flowers up. Deer do not seem to bother it much.

This plant is a slow grower typically the first couple years, but then watch out, it can get huge and unruly. I've seen it trained and pruned like a tree where it can get over 10' tall, but typically to keep it smaller and more bush like in form simply prune it back towards the ground every winter like you would a butterfly bush. It is happy in moist soil, full sun or part shade, clay is fine. It attracts both birds and butterflies. Because of the size it is useful for the back of the border, or for screening. It isn't well suited for a smaller or more formal garden, but if you can find a spot for it there is nothing else like it. The foliage of a japanese maple, giant flowers, and berries, all on one plant.