Description

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Height: 7-20 feet

Hardiness zone: 2

Spread: 8 feet

Sun exposure: part shade – full sun

Root system: fibrous, suckering

Growth rate: moderate

Lifespan : 30+

Plug material

This showy tree like shrub with a vase-like form grows in riparian environments, open forests, woodland gardens, streambanks and moist clearings. Tiny creamy white blooms will appear in the spring followed by pyramidal Clusters of red berries.

This shrub prefers a loam or sand soil structure. Red Elderberry can be used for revegetation, erosion control, and wildlife plantings. It provides an excellent food source for pollinators and birds with its flowers and fruits.

The seeds are considered poisonous. Do not consume raw. Cooked berries can however be made into wines, sauces or jellies.

Seedling size is approximately 12” tall , 1 year old.