Download Sambucus racemosa - Woodinville Water District

Sambucus racemosa
(sam-BYOO-kus
ray-see-MO-suh)
Red Elderberry
Deciduous Shrub or Small Tree
6’ – 20’ high and wide
Low to Moderate Water
Sun to Part Shade
USDA Zones 5 – 7
Sambucus racemosa can be considered either a shrub or small tree, and has a broad arching
form. Its yellowish-white, clusters of flowers appear in spring and are followed the formation of
berries in the summer, that mature to bright red in autumn. Stems, bark, leaves and roots contain
cyanide-producing toxins but berries may be consumed as jelly or wine after cooking. Relatively
short-lived, but reseeds easily.
Red elderberry is easily grown and found on a wide variety of soils, but favors deeper, loamy
sands and silts and nutrient rich sites with good drainage and ample moisture. Likes full sun to
part shade.
No specific care instructions. This is considered to be a ‘native” plant to western Washington.
Grows very fast once established. The dense roots and rhizomes make it useful for soil
stabilization and erosion control on moist sites including stream banks. Twigs and foliage are
favorite foods of deer. Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Main photo taken from WWD photo file.
Inset photos courtesy of Oregon State University
(leaf & berries): http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/sara2.htm
(flower clusters and leaves): http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/sara8.htm