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red-berried elder

Sambucus racemosa

The red-berried elder is a bushy plant with bright red berries. It grows in many places and is loved by birds who eat its tasty fruits!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The red-berried elder has prominent upright clusters of small, bright red berries that ripen in summer. Its small, creamy-white flowers grow in dense, conical or pyramid-shaped clusters. The large, green leaves are made of several pointed leaflets.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderDipsacalesFamilyViburnaceaeGenusSambucus
red-berried elder
deciduous trait badgeshrub trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgemedicinal trait badge
red-berried elder

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Elderberry wood is hollow, making it perfect for crafting traditional flutes!

Native American tribes traditionally used elderberry bark to make a dark black dye!

Some birds love these berries so much they can turn their droppings bright red!

This plant's quick growth helps it pop up rapidly after forest fires!

Special abilities

Ability

Beacon Berries

Red-berried elder has bright red, upright berry clusters that help it attract birds for efficient seed dispersal.

Ability

Winter Warrior

Red-berried elder can withstand cold winters because it is deciduous, dropping leaves to conserve energy.

Ability

Speedy Sprout

Red-berried elder can grow very quickly, helping it fill in open spaces after forest disturbances.

Measurements & details

Height
200-600 cm
Spread
150-400 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

eats ripe berries

eaten by

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

consumes the fruit

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

visits flowers for nectar

shelters

Deer Mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus

uses dense shrubs for cover

Traits

Also known as

Red Elder

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Do not eat the berries without asking an adult, as some parts of the plant can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is red-berried elder?

200-600 cm

How wide does red-berried elder spread?

150-400 cm

How big are the flowers on red-berried elder?

0.3-0.5 cm

When does red-berried elder bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is red-berried elder edible?

No

Is red-berried elder toxic?

Moderate

What is red-berried elder's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is red-berried elder pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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