A number of varieties of the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), which grows up to eight feet tall, have been cultivated for home or commercial use. The berries of the plant arrive after the clusters of white flowers and feature an array of colors including red, blue, black and yellow. The unopened flower buds can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers. Traditionally, the berries were used as a source of various violet dyes. Black dye was also made from the bark and green dye from the leaves. Additionally, all parts of the plant were, throughout various times and cultures, believed to have healing properties. Bark and root extracts were used as laxatives, leaf extracts were used as ointments for bruises, and flower water was used in eye and skin lotions. In modern medicine, the flowers are used to reduce fevers and used as a diuretic and expectorant.