Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

Red elderberry

Also known as: Red-berried elder, Dwarfelder

Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is a popular choice for natural landscape design projects. Flowers of red elderberry attract butterflies and hummingbirds while the fruits bring in other birds. But it is poisonous to human so extreme caution should be exercised.

Scientific classification

Species

Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer

Harvest Time

2 m to 6 m

Plant Height

3 m

Spread

Green, Yellow

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, White, Cream

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Red elderberry

Attributes of Red elderberry

Growth Rate

With a moderate growth rate, red elderberry meticulously cultivates its robust form during spring and summer. This pace allows for balanced expansion, producing lush foliage and intense red flowering clusters. Red elderberry's growth noticeably accelerates in warm, damp conditions typical of its active seasons, contributing to its eventual height of up to 6m. Despite a slower overall growth rate, the plant's hardiness and resilience get enhanced, leading to a higher survival rate in diverse climatic conditions.

Distribution of Red elderberry

Distribution Map

Red elderberry is native to Europe. It has also been introduced to northern parts of Europe and Kazhakstan. This plant is noninvasive, preferring wet banks.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Along streams, woods, open areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Red elderberry is a good choice for loose hedges, shrub borders, and massing in areas where it can spread quite freely. A woodland or naturalized garden is an excellent choice for this plant. It should not be planted with anything that is likely to get overwhelmed by its suckering spread, but Coggygria is a common companion.

Symbolism

Kindness, but also Sorrow and Remorse

Interesting Facts

Legends and myths surround the red elderberry tree. It was once believed that witches lived in elderberry trees and if you planted a red elderberry near your house it would allow the witch to gain power over your household. Using elder to build a cradle was forbidden as it was believed to release the witch’s power over the baby.

Name Story

Red elderberry: It is believed that the name elder comes from the Anglo-Saxon "auld", "aeld" or "eller" meaning fire because the hollow stems were used as bellows to blow air into the center of a fire. As it grows clusters of red berries, it is called red elderberry.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Red elderberry, including the following common varieties :

Red elderberry 'Sutherland Gold'Red elderberry 'Tenuifolia'

Toxicity

Red elderberry is a toxic elderberry plant. All parts, especially seeds and berries, cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea; severe cases may lead to coma. Cats and dogs can be poisoned if they ingest the seeds, showing symptoms like abdominal pain and weakness. Immediate veterinary care is essential for pets showing any signs of poisoning after exposure to red elderberry.

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Care Guide for Red elderberry

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Red elderberry prefers moist environments similar to its native habitat, requiring evenly moist soil with watering every 1-2 weeks. It benefits from mulching to retain moisture during the growing season and can withstand brief droughts. Avoid waterlogging to ensure healthy growth.

Fertilize: Red elderberry thrives with balanced fertilizers, such as a 10-10-10 blend, applied annually in spring. High nitrogen slow-release options can boost growth and fruiting. Avoid over-fertilization and follow dosage instructions. Mulching with compost enhances nutrients and soil quality for optimal growth.

Pruning: Red elderberry is a fast-growing shrub with red berries. Prune in early spring using thinning cuts to enhance air circulation and promote healthy growth. Trim dead or damaged wood regularly to control height and improve fruit yield while reducing pests. Sterilize tools to prevent disease.

Propagation: Red elderberry propagates best in autumn or winter through cutting and layering techniques. Success, demonstrated by new growth, can be achieved with optimal soil moisture and warmth. It is moderately challenging to propagate.

Repotting: Repot red elderberry every 2-3 years in a slightly larger container to support its growth. Spring is the best time for repotting, followed by moderate watering and partial shade to aid recovery. Proper care enhances the vibrant clusters of bright red berries that red elderberry produces.

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Images of Red elderberry

Attributes of Red elderberry

Distribution of Red elderberry

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Care Guide for Red elderberry

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