Sambucus racemosa

$10.90

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Red elderberry

Red elderberry is a large deciduous shrub can grow to 20 feet tall. In the spring, pyramidal clusters of small white flowers are followed by clusters of bright red berries. Needs moist loamy soil and can be pruned when dormant to keep the plant bushy. The fruits are reportedly safe to eat when cooked and can make an excellent jelly.

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade

Water: Moderate

Soil: Loam, Sand

Other: Attracts Birds

 

 

Ecological Value

Both S. mexicana and S. racemosa are obligate hosts of the federally threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle, which is endemic to the Central Valley of California. Many large and small mammals an

Container

5-Gal-O, D-40-O, 5-Gal, 5-GalS, D-40, D-40S

Historical Uses

The Yurok tribe used the leaves to pack eggs while cooking and the Mahuna tribe used the blossoms to treat measles and ate the berries to quench thirst.

Distribution

native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America.

Elevation

Between 0 and 5,906 feet

Communities
Habitat

It grows in riparian environments, woodlands, and other habitat, generally in moist areas.