Or Sambucus racemosa. The two can be reliably distinguished only by the fruit color. S. melanocarpa often has 5 instead of 7 leaflets which are often pubescent beneath when young.
Audrey, is it true that melanocarpa was recently elevated to the species level? It appears it use to be a sub-species of racemosa. If so, one might guess not everybody has updated their information.
Probably, not. USDA and Intermountain Flora consider it as Sambucus racemosa var melanocarpa, although Jepson Flora and CalFlora refer to it as a separate species.
