shrub

Red elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) — a shrub, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightmoderate to high
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium to high
Fruitedible for wildlife, some human consumption

Through the year

Through the year

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emergenceNew growth emerges after the last spring frost and consistent mild temperatures.
floweringFlowers appear in late spring to early summer, typically 4-6 weeks after emergence.
fruitingBerries develop and ripen through mid to late summer, following flowering.
senescenceLeaves begin to yellow and drop with the first autumn frosts and shortening days.
dormancyThe plant enters dormancy after leaf senescence, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained-to-moist
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatescalcium, potassium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseeds, cuttings, division
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationcold_moist
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionautumn

Wildlife & pests

Attractspollinators, birds, mammals
Can host pestsaphids, elderberry_borer
Can host diseasespowdery_mildew, cankers