Sambucus racemosa ( Red Elderberry ) is a deciduous, fruiting shrub that is native to the northern temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Mature plants produce thousands of small red berries in summer that attract an abundance of bees and bird life. Although the raw berries are toxic, they are often cooked and added to many recipes around the world. Red Elderberries have also been used in a range of traditional medicine.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Warning: The stems, roots and leaves of the Red Elderberry plant are poisonous while the raw berries are considered toxic and can cause nausea. Cooked berries are used in pies and jams.
Although Sambucus racemosa is well known by its common name, Red Elderberry, other popular names include the American Red Elder and the Red-Berried Elder.
We also have information on the Sambucus nigra (Black Elderberry) and Sambucus caerulea (Blue Elderberry).
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Growth
Sambucus racemosa is a deciduous shrub that grows to a maximum height of up to 4 metres (13 feet) and width of about 4.5 metres (15 feet). Germination can be challenging as the seeds require a combination of warm and cold stratification to break their dormancy. Young seedlings are rapid growers during the warmer months and with their soft stems are often too tender to tolerate their first cold winter.
Red Elderberry leaves are composed of 5 to 7 leaflets, each stretching to up to 15cm (6 inches). They are narrowly oval, irregularly serrated and produce a strong disagreeable odour if crushed.
Flowering starts from mid-Spring and attracts a wide range of pollinators including bees, butterflies and in the United States, hummingbirds. As do the red berries that flourish during summer on plants that have reached 4-5 years old. For more information about this species click here.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Adoxaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10°C to 35°C / 14 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 4 metres (13 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 4.5 metres (15 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous shrub.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees, Hummingbirds. and Birds.
MATURITY:
4-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
50-65% (Studies have found Gibberellic acid can increase rate to up to 78%)
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak – 48 hours
Warm Stratification – 10-12 weeks
Cold Stratification – 3 months and then 6-8 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Warm/Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 140
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes. Raw fruits have been known to cause nausea.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT SAMBUCUS RACEMOSA ( Red Elderberry )
Red Elderberry has been used as a medicinal plant by Native Americans to assist with colds, coughs, and dermatological issues. Other Native American tribes such as the Apache, Yurok and Skokomish people used the berries in a variety of recipes.
