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Close-up of a creamy white flower cluster on a native red elderberry shrub (Sambucus racemosa). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon.
Spring branches of native red elderberry shrub (Sambucus racemosa) covered with creamy white flower clusters. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon.
Spring branches of native red elderberry shrub (Sambucus racemosa) covered with creamy white flower clusters. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon.
Large arching branches of a native red elderberry shrub (Sambucus racemosa) flowering in the habitat garden. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon.
A mature red elderberry shrub (Sambucus racemosa) in its natural habitat, in spring. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of a cluster of bright red berries of the native red elderberry shrub (Sambucus racemosa). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon.
Summer branches of native red elderberry shrub (Sambucus racemosa) covered with clusters of bright red berries. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants in Portland, Oregon.

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa var. arborescens

Red elderberry is a large, deciduous shrub that can easily be pruned to take the form of a small tree. In mid-spring, the branch tips are abounding with tiny fragrant white flowers that provide nectar for butterflies and bees. As spring turns to summer, flowers mature into red berries that are attractive to the gardener's eye and as food for a plethora of backyard birds. Hollow stems provide habitat for mason bees.  

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, large shrub
  • Size at maturity: 8-18' tall, 10' wide
  • Light requirements: full sun, part sun/part shade, full shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist to wet soil
  • Bloom time: March - August (April - May in the Portland Metro area)
  • Growth rate/ease: fast growing, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attracts and supports bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators; berries are eaten by more than 30 species of local birds; brittle, pithy stems are superb insect habitat, particularly for nesting mason bees 
  • Native habitat/range: common in seasonally flooded streambanks and wet meadows, logged areas and woods near coast to mid-elevations across the Pacific Northwest. Portland Plant List - yes. 
  • Special features & uses: wildlife favorite; supports hummingbirds; landscape uses include woodland gardens and erosion control; berries are edible only when cooked (toxic to humans when raw) and can be made into wine, sauces or jelly, indigenous peoples traditionally steam the berries and store underground or in water for winter; medicinally the leaves, bark or roots can be applied topically to aching muscles and joints, flowers can be boiled down to treat coughs and colds; hollow stems can be used for whistles and pipes. 

Gardening with Red Elderberry: This fast-growing, upright shrub tolerates a variety of light conditions, making it a versatile and attractive choice in many garden areas where soils are moist. Try it along the edges of your moist woodland, in a ditch, bioswale or raingarden, or along a shady fence line. It takes well to pruning and can therefore be shaped to fit into smaller gardens, in side-yards or along paths. Note - branches and small sections often die off as quickly as new branches spring forth. Don’t be alarmed as you see branches become leafless and brittle, this process is not only normal, but is creating exceptional habitat for wildlife. 

Photo Credit 1 (flowers, leaves): © Hilary Rose Dawson, some rights reserved (CC-BY) 

Photo Credit 2 (flowers on branch tips): © sprcrkwild, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credits 3 & 4 (flowers, in the habitat garden): Karli Del Biondo, Beetles and Bees

Photo Credit 5 (in the wild): © Gail A Baker, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 6 (berries): Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants

Photo Credit 7 (more berries): © Matt Bowser, some rights reserved (CC-BY)