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Red elderberry

Sambucus racemosa is a species of elderberry known by the common names red elderberry and Red-berried Elder. It grows in riparian environments, woodlands, and other habitats, generally in moist areas. Sambucus racemosa is often a treelike shrub growing 2-6 metres tall. The leaflets have a strong disagreeable odor when crushed. The flower buds are pink when closed, and the open flowers are white, cream, or yellowish. The flowers are fragrant and visited by hummingbirds and butterflies. The fruit is a bright red or sometimes purple drupe containing 3 to 5 seeds.
Description from calscape.org

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Red elderberry

Red elderberry fast facts

Scientific Name

Sambucus racemosa

Family

Caprifoliaceae

Garden Type

Rain Garden Appropriate, Anywhere

Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Native Plant Region

Western WA, PNW, North America

Light needs

Filtered, Full Sun

Water Needs

Medium

Plant Type

Deciduous, Flowering, Shrub

Bloom Color(s)

White

Height

10 + feet

Width

5 – 10 feet

Months in Bloom

April, May

Safe Beneath Power Lines?

Yes
European red elderberry

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Capitol Hill Seed Library

Gardeners can check out seeds for free from the library to plant. Then after harvest, gardeners bring seeds back to the library for others to enjoy in future growing seasons.

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