American red elder, Eastern Red Elderberry, Eastern red-berry elder
Sambucus pubens

Family: Adoxaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1-3.1 m tall. The leaves have 5-7 leaflets. These taper to the tip. The buds are plump and reddish. The flowers occur in clusters shaped like a pyramid. These appear as the leaves unfold. The fruit are red. They are probably edible but not attractive.

There are about 25 Sambucus species. Also put in the family Sambucaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in damp places on the edge of woods.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The bitter fruit are used for making pies, jelly and wine. The roots are used for a tea like drinks.

Edible parts

Flowers, fruit, roots - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sambucus racemosa var. pubens (Michx.) S. Watson; Sambucus racemosa subsp. pubens (Michx.) Hulten;