Remarkable medium-sized shrub with creamy-white, pyramid-shaped clusters of small flowers in April and May. Clusters of bright red or scarlet berries follow in mid-summer.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Scarlet Elder; Red Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Hummingbird, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects, Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
4 to
8
feet
Spread:
3 to
6
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
8
feet
Spread: 3 to
6
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
8
feet
Spread: 3 to
6
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Landscape ornamental shrub desirable for landscaping and wildlife purposes. Many bird species eat these berries.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Special Features
Special Usage
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Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.