Shrubs

Sambucus racemosa (Red Elderberry)

Sambucus racemosa

Also known as Red Elderberry

$11.95

Size

SunFull sun to part shade
💧WaterModerate
🌡Zones3-9
🦌DeerResistant
🌊CoastalSuitable

Available at our Langlois nursery

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About This Plant

Sambucus racemosa (Red Elderberry), 'Red Elderberry', is valued for its garden character and seasonal interest in PNW landscapes.

Sambucus racemosa is an ornamental shrub valued for its seasonal interest and the role it plays in the garden landscape.

Full sun to part shade suits this species. Plant in moist, well-drained soil. Hardy USDA Zone 5 to 9. Provide consistent moisture during establishment. Watch for general pest pressures common to the region.

For a Pacific Northwest native shrub of similar character, consider Mahonia aquifolium (Tall Oregon Grape, Oregon state flower), Philadelphus lewisii (Mock Orange), or Holodiscus discolor (Oceanspray) , all support native pollinators and birds.

Plant Details

Botanical
Sambucus racemosa
Common name
Red Elderberry
Lifecycle
Perennial
Foliage type
Deciduous
Mature size
8-20 ft tall × 6-12 ft wide
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom time
Mid spring
Bloom color
Red
Foliage color
Green
Harvest
Late summer

Care Notes

Plant in moist to average, well-drained soil; tolerates seasonal wet. Water moderately. Coppice old stems at the base every 2-3 years to renew vigor. Never eat raw berries; red elderberry requires thorough cooking. Leaves, stems, and roots are always toxic and should not be consumed.

Garden Attributes

  • Pacific NW native
  • Deer resistant
  • Coastal suitable
  • Grown organically
  • Pollinator value: Bees, Native bees, Hummingbirds
  • Wildlife: Bird forage, Bird habitat, Pollinator support, Small mammal forage
Row of potted bareroot conifer trees at Dragonfly Farm

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