Hi, This shrub self seeds easily on my property - aided by the birds who eat the fruit.

I have checked many tree identification sites and have not been able to pin it down, I do not think it is a native tree to my area - Ontario Georgian Bay

Its leaves are almost waxy and remain fairly small - the oldest shrub nearby has a trunk about 4" across, and as may be expected from the fruit its bark has horizontal striping similar to cherries.

Hey there artmyth,
We have those trees here in Maine too. I'm pretty sure they are native to the area. I don't know what they are either. The closest thing I can find is an elderberry tree, but That isn't what it is.
I'm going to do a little more research to see if I can find out.

I think you have zeroed in on the genus check this out en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus from that page look at this image en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Elderberries2007-08-12.JPG

That to me looks like what I have

Thank you I will attempt to refine the search within that genus!

I found it! with your help in narrowing the genus I crisscrossed a reference to this, ontariotrees.com/main/species.php?id=2022 The images on that page are with no doubt what is growing around here.

Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica

And its invasive.

Since its invasive you should dig up lots of them and experiment on them. You don't have to feel bad about killing them. I have a few trees that are invasive and that's what I do with them. So far none have died.

At first I thought this was a *Chokecherry* but I may be incorrect. It is very similar however, to the plant you have mentioned. ontariotrees.com/mondaygarden/article.php?id=0116
I think the main difference is the way the berries are clustered. The Chokecherry's fruit grow in hanging clusters similar to the grape. The photo with this link shows the berries in the early green stage which later turn black when ripe. The berries are edible. We used to pick them as kids and Mom would make Chokecherry jam. Inspite of the bitter taste on the inside of the skin they make delicious jam.