Red Elderberry
sambucus racemosa
Also known as: ["Red Elder","Red Elder Bush","European Red Elderberry"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North America, known for its clusters of small white flowers and bright red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change","edible fruits"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Sambucus |
| Botanical Name: | Sambucus racemosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed with partial shade, especially in hot climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, well-drained, fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; avoid compacted soil; ensure consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); tolerates cold but may struggle in prolonged heat.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from winter winds; monitor humidity in indoor settings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; water thoroughly before and after feeding; stop fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or division in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for division.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage bushier growth, and maintain air circulation.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw for larger branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, dispose of diseased material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; tease out circling roots; ensure proper drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, gently remove plant, trim roots if needed, add fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, allow excess water to drain freely, water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud failure in extreme heat; wilting or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; may experience dieback in severe cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from frost with row covers or burlap; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may fail to develop; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility, use appropriate fertilizer, apply at correct dilution, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to cyanogenic glycosides found in Sambucus racemosa. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to cyanide poisoning, which disrupts oxygen transport in the body. The berries, leaves, stems, and roots are all toxic to cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cyanogenic glycosides present in Sambucus racemosa can be harmful to dogs if ingested. These compounds disrupt cellular respiration, potentially leading to cyanide poisoning. All parts of the plant, especially the berries, leaves, stems, and roots, pose a risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicSambucus racemosa contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in its unripe berries and other parts, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. This compound interferes with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. The leaves, stems, and roots also contain these compounds, making them toxic if ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the berries of Sambucus racemosa edible?
A: The berries are mildly toxic when raw but can be safely consumed after proper cooking.
Q: Does Sambucus racemosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and berries.
Q: How should Sambucus racemosa be pruned?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak branches and encourage new growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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