Description

Red elderberry is one of a handful of plants found throughout the northern hemisphere. In California it grows along the coast from Santa Cruz County north, and in the Sierra Nevada. Although not a wetland plant, red elderberry grows close to some permanent water source. Like its cousin the blue elderberry, Sambucus mexicana, aka Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) red elderberry grows as an upright multi-trunk shrub or small tree. The leaves are compound with several lance-shaped leaflets. The flower clusters appear as little cones of small white flowers at the end of the branches. These develop into drupes of bright red - or sometimes purple - berries, which are quite festive. The berries are devoured by birds but are poisonous to humans when raw. The entire plant is poisonous and should not be planted where pets might take an interest. Plant this attractive shrub where it will receive at least six hours of sun each day and receive regular water. Red elderberry is winter deciduous.