Sambucus racemosa is a species of elderberry known by the common names red elderberry[2] and red-berried elder. [3] It is native to Europe, northern temperate Asia, and North America across Canada and the United States. [1] . It grows in riparian environments, woodlands, and other habitats, generally in moist areas. [4]

New! Unlike the edible blue-black berries of Sambucus canadensis (Elderberry), the red-berries of this Sambucus are mildly poisonous. Also called Sambucus pubens.

Red elderberry is a tall shrub that grows best in forest openings; its seeds can remain dormant for many years until a gap opens and stimulates germination, sometimes on "nurse logs." It can also stump-sprout from the root crown following cutting or fire.

Sambucus racemosa L. (sam-BEW-kus ra-see-MO-suh) Names: The name Sambucus is derived from the Greek sambuca, which was a stringed instrument supposed to have been made from elder wood. Racemosa refers to the elongated inflorescences, called racemes.

Sambucus racemosa is a deciduous, perennial shrub or small tree. It can reach a height of 10 to 20 feet. Its leaves are green with a serrated edge and a strong, distinctive odor. The bark of red elderberry is dark reddish-brown with raised pores.

Perfect for traditional and wildlife gardens, Sambucus racemosa (Red Elderberry) is a deciduous suckering shrub or small tree adorned with opposite, pinnately compound, green leaves, 6-9 in. long (15-22 cm).

Red-berried Elder is a ubiquitous shrub in Minnesota that may grow as tall as 14 feet, but half that is common. It is one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring and the early blossoms and bright red fruits make it pretty easy to identify.

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The eastern North American variety of this shrub has been referred to as Sambucus racemosa pubens (also Sambucus pubens); it differs from the typical European variety by its pubescent stems, leaves, and pedicels.

Sambucus racemosa var. melanocarpa: This variety produces black or purplish-black fruits and generally grows 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 m) in height. This variety grows from southern British Columbia to California, and east to Montana, South Dakota, and New Mexico.