Is this a bush or a tree?

We were clearing out some shrubs that died and found this plant growing. Can't tell if it is a tree of shrub, seems to be growing well and is spread over a large area. Thinking it may be a shrub. Does anyone know what this is. Not sure if we should take them out and replace with trees. Any information would be appreciated.

 

Looks like Sambucus sp. Possibly Sambucus canadensis.

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...n-gb:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7SUNA_en-GB&sa=N&um=1

 

You may know it by its common name, elderberry.

 

Usually shrubby, but can become a small tree up to 6 or 7 metres tall. Very good for wildlife, the flowers valuable for insects, and the berries for birds.

 

eee gads where doesn't this thing grow? Is it a PNW native or was it introduced from else where? barb

 

Elders (various species) are native throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere (including the PNW), and also parts of South America and Australia. Pretty near as global a genus as you'll find among woody plants.

 

The one common near Barbara is Pacific red elder.