Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)

Red elderberry is a tall shrub that grows best in forest openings; its seeds can remain dormant for many years until a gap opens and stimulates germination, sometimes on “nurse logs.” It can also stump-sprout from the root crown following cutting or fire. Birds and mammals (such as bears, raccoons, and mice) favor the juicy fruits and disperse them widely. Porcupines and snowshoe hares nibble the bark in winter. The leaves are bitter and contain a cyanogenic glycoside chemical, which is toxic to humans but does not deter deer and other ungulates. Red elderberry is planted on streamsides to control erosion.  Fruits and flowers attract pollinators and birds.  Up to 20’ tall.   Can grow in full sun, part sun, and full shade.

Bright red berries not palatable to humans as are the more common Sambucus nigra, with its dark berries,