Description
Red Elderberry (Sambucus pubens) is a native, deciduous shrub found in many areas of north America. It is also known as the American red elder and is very similar to the European red elder (Sambucus racemosa). Many experts are now grouping both of the varieties under the name of Sambucus racemosa.
Growing as a large deciduous shrub or a small tree, it is a wonderful choice for wildlife, naturalization of areas and berries for human consumption in jellies or wine (**the berries must be cooked to degrade alkaloid compounds before eating**). This elderberry produces large clusters of small berries that are bright red after flowering in spring. The flowers are small in clusters of creamy white blooming between April and July.
