Green Nature

Red Elderberry

picture of red elderberry leaves and berries


Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is a deciduous shrub in the honeysuckle family that produces both flowers and colorful berries.

It grows wild in boreal forests and riparian areas throughout much of the United States.

It's value as a food plant for birds, squirrels and other small mammals makes it a popular choice in landscape settings. Because of it's ability to grow to large heights, in a landscape setting, yearly pruning is advised during the dormant stage.

While the berries are considered edible when cooked, they, along with the leaves, are toxic to humans when consumed raw.

© 2003-2009 Patricia A. Michaels