Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)
The Red Elderberry is a widely found, large bush with arched branches. The distinctive red berries appear in August. Due to its high tolerance of shade, it is also ideal for planting as underwood in gardens and parks.
-
Appearance
The Red Elderberry is a widely found, large bush with arched branches. The distinctive red berries appear in August. Due to its high tolerance of shade, it is also ideal for planting as underwood in gardens and parks.
-
Leaves
Odd-pinnate, 10-20cm long, 10-15cm wide. Oblong leaflets. Serrated edge. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below.
-
Leaf upperside
Odd-pinnate, 10-20cm long, 10-15cm wide. Oblong leaflets. Serrated edge. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below.
-
Leaf underside
Odd-pinnate, 10-20cm long, 10-15cm wide. Oblong leaflets. Serrated edge. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below.
-
Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, yellowish-white corymbs up to 10cm long, wheel-shaped flowers.
-
Fruits
Round red berries in clusters, up to 0.5cm in diameter. Not edible when raw. Very pungent taste when cooked.
Poisonousness
The seeds are slightly toxic. Consumption may lead to gastrointestinal complaints with nausea, feeling of sickness and diarrhoea. The ripe berries can be made into jam or tea.
Application
Open country, open fields, pioneer tree, tip afforestation, hillside stabilization, noise abatement, bird protection, forage for honey-bees, public areas, parks, roadside verges, car parks, private parks, gardens, front gardens
Native regions
Europe, Southern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Middle East, Asia Minor, Western Asia
Location parameters
Light: full sun to shady, temperature: normal to cool, soil: dry to moist, soil structure: firm to normal, soil depth: shallow to medium, soil quality: medium to high, pH value: 4.5 to 6.5, nutrient concentration: medium
Demands
Sun to half-shade, prefers light shade; likes cool, moist conditions, frost-hardy; on all acid substrates, avoids lime; intolerant of salt, resistant to wind.
Growth
Height of growth: 2m to 4m, spread: 2m to 4m, slow growth potential, growth habits: wide, loose, upright, overhanging
Leaves
Odd-pinnate, 10-20cm long, 10-15cm wide. Oblong leaflets. Serrated edge. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below.
Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, yellowish-white corymbs up to 10cm long, wheel-shaped flowers.
Fruits
Round red berries in clusters, up to 0.5cm in diameter. Not edible when raw. Very pungent taste when cooked.
Bark
Pale grey-brown, smooth bark. Branches are pale grey-brown or pale reddish-brown. The marrow is pale brown.
Roots
Surface-rooting, expansive root system