Red Elderberry

You recognize Red Elderberry by its fast-growing deciduous form with soft, pithy twigs and opposite, pinnately compound leaves (5 to 7 leaflets) that are bright green and sharply toothed. The shrub grows 20 feet tall with a somewhat sprawling habit. In late spring to early summer, fragrant, tiny yellowish-white flowers appear in dome-shaped to pyramidal clusters (panicled cymes). Bright red drupes ripen by early summer, ripening to orange-red and persisting into fall; a purple-black-fruited variety (var. melanocapra) also exists. Native across the Northern Hemisphere in riparian zones, woodlands, and moist forest edges, this shrub is valued for its ornamental fruit and wildlife appeal.

Red Elderberry grows best in sun to part shade and moist, fertile soils; it tolerates wet soils and prefers forest-edge locations. Blooms on new wood, so prune in late winter or early spring before growth begins; this allows rejuvenation and maintains shrubby form. The plant spreads by root suckers to form colonies; prune suckering growth unless naturalizing. You may observe leaf spot disease and borer or leafcutting bee activity documented in the PNW. Hardy to Zone 3, this species is a fast-growing screen, hedge, or naturalization choice for moist sites. Note that leaves and stems contain toxins and raw fruit can cause stomach upset; cooked fruit makes good jam, pie, and wine. Birds and butterflies are attracted to the flowers and fruit.