Red Elder, Red elderberry, Rocky Mountain elder, European Red Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

Sambucus racemosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Moist to wet soils along streams, in woods and open areas from valleys to around 3,000 metres.

N. America - British Columbia to Newfoundland, south to Georgia, Iowa, Colorado and California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. A bitter flavour. The fruit is quite nutritious, having a relatively high fat and protein as well as carbohydrate content. The fruit can be dried prior to use, it will then lose some of its rank taste. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters making it easy to harvest. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Flowers - raw or cooked. The root is made into a tea-like beverage.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The bark and the leaves are used as a diuretic and purgative. The blossoms have been used in the treatment of measles.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Resolvent: Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.

Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 2

The stem is easily hollowed and can be used to make a whistle.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

Straw: For drinking with.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Tolerates most soils, including chalk, but prefers a moist loamy soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations. Closely related to S. racemosa and considered part of that species by some botanists. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, when it should germinate in early spring. Stored seed can be sown in the spring in a cold frame but will probably germinate better if it is given 2 months warm followed by 2 months cold stratification first. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If good growth is made, the young plants can be placed in their permanent positions during the early summer. Otherwise, either put them in a sheltered nursery bed, or keep them in their pots in a sheltered position and plant them out in spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm with a heel, late autumn in a frame or a sheltered outdoor bed.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the leaves and stems of some, if not all, members of this genus are poisonous. The fruit of many species (although no records have been seen for this species) has been known to cause stomach upsets to some people. Any toxin the fruit might contain is liable to be of very low toxicity and is destroyed when the fruit is cooked. NC State University have noted Cyanogenic glycoside and alkaloids can cause low toxity if eaten.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sambucus racemosa pubens leucocarpa. (Torr.&Gray.)Cronq.