Scarlet Elder, Red-berried Elderberry, Red Elderberry

Scarlet Elder, Red-berried Elderberry, Red Elderberry Sambucus racemosa (Sambucus pubens) Sun to light shade; moderately wet to medium moisture level; prefers deep, loamy, nutrient-rich soils but tolerates rocky or sandy loams over bedrock, medium loams to moderately fine silt loams; slightly acid to slightly alkaline pH. 6-12 feet height by 6-12 feet spread; blooms spring into summer; creamy white flowers; clusters of pea-sized brilliant red berries. Growth Rate:  Fast Maintenance:  Infrequent disease and insect problems.  Frequent ice and wind damage in winter.  Severe pruning will prevent a spindly growth habit.  Dead terminal twigs are common. Propagation:  Easy from cuttings.  Difficult from seed.  Seed has a double dormancy; pre-treat 30-60 days warm moist (20-30 degree C.) and then 90-150 days cold moist (5 degrees C.) Large deciduous shrub or small tree in the Honeysuckle family with a broad, arching form.  Red fruit is inedible for humans with a disagreeably bitter taste, but birds love the berries.  All parts can cause serious illness for humans if eaten.  Shade tolerant but prefers a sunny exposure.  Very high wildlife value.  Attracts birds, hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.  Cultivars available. shrub;sun;wet;loam shrub;sun;wet;sand shrub;sun;wet;rocky shrub;sun;medium;loam shrub;sun;medium;sand shrub;sun;medium;rocky shrub;sun/shade;wet;loam shrub;sun/shade;wet;sand shrub;sun/shade;wet;rocky shrub;sun/shade;medium;loam shrub;sun/shade;medium;sand shrub;sun/shade;medium;rocky shrub;shade;wet;loam shrub;shade;wet;sand shrub;shade;wet;rocky shrub;shade;medium;loam shrub;shade;medium;sand shrub;shade;medium;rocky

Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center http://www.wildflower.org/ Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia http://www.wikipedia.org Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/