Red coast elder, Pacific Red Elder
Sambucus callicarpa
Family: Adoxaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. They grow to 1.5-4 m high. The leaves have 5-7 leaflets. Each leaflet is 6-16 cm long. They are sword shaped and with sharp teeth. They are hairy along the veins. The flowers are yellowish-white. The flowers are star shaped and fragrant. They are in rounded clusters which are 10 cm across. The berries are purple black or red and 4-6 mm across.
There are about 25 Sambucus species. Also put in the family Sambucaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. They occur in low lying damp areas.
Countries/locations it is found in
Britain, Canada, Europe, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are used for jellies, pies and wine. CAUTION: They are also claimed to be poisonous.
Edible parts
Flowers, fruit