Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa

red elderberry, scarlet elder

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Photo credit: R. Harrison Wiegand, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service. www.dnr.state.md.us
Family

Caprifoliaceae

Region

Mountain

States

Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Plant Type

Medium Shrub

Height

6 - 12ft

Spread

6 - 12ft

Flower Color

White

Fruit

Berry; Red

Sun Exposure

Shade

Soil Texture

Loamy

Soil Moisture

Dry, Moist

Blooms

May - May

Fall Color

yellow green

Habitat

deep, rich woods, dry rocky woods, along quick flowing creeks, moist rock crevices, sheltered coves and ravines

Notes

important summer wildlife food; one of earliest blooming shrubs; fragrant; all parts poisonous to humans; grows in shallow soils over bedrock

More Information

Landscaping with Native Plants
Native Plant List
How to Shop for Native Plants
Plant Invaders of the Mid Atlantic

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Resources

The Native Plants Guide

Physiographic Regions of Chesapeake Watershed

Mountain
Piedmont
Coastal Plain