Plant Description

Sambucus racemosa

Red Elderberry is a large, fast-growing shrub or tree. It produces large, showy clusters of white flowers in the spring, which mature into bright red berries. Wildlife may enjoy the berries, but they are not generally advised for human consumption.

A small red elderberry shrub with bright red berries.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height at 20 yrs 20 ft
Mature Height 20 ft
Growth Rate Rapid
Life Span Perennial
Moisture Use High
Drought Tolerance Low
Deer Browse Yes
Wildlife Value High
Timber Value None
Resprout Ability High
Hardiness USDA Zones 3-7
Flower Color White or Pink
Bloom Time March-August
Habitat Streambanks, open riparian areas, woodlands

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Tracheophytes
Clade Angiosperms
Order Dipsacales
Family Adoxaceae
Genus Sambucus
Species S. racemosa

Planting information

Sun

Partial to Full Shade

Soil

Dry, moist, or wet soils

Special Uses

Erosion control, woodland garden, hedgerow, pollinator forage, bird and mammal forage

Ease of Care

Easy

PLANT IMAGES