Sambucus racemosa
Grape Elder
Common names: Red Elder, Deer Elder
Photo: Algirdas at Lithuanian Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Grape Elder (Sambucus racemosa) is a native, summer-green shrub that grows wild in forests and along forest edges. It produces dense, yellow-green flower spikes in April and May that attract many insects. From summer onward it bears striking coral‑red berries on upright spikes, which serve as an important food source for many bird species. Unlike the more widely used Black Elder, the Grape Elder is rarely used in cooking. Its berries are toxic when raw, especially the seeds, and should only be cooked and processed without kernels. For children and pets, ripe berries should be kept out of reach. The plant is valued as a bird‑feeder shrub in natural gardens.
Care instructions
Plant in a semi‑shaded to sunny spot with loose, humus‑rich soil; it tolerates some drought once established. Prune immediately after flowering to keep the shrub compact; remove old, dying shoots close to the ground to encourage new vigorous growth. Water young plants regularly for the first one to two years; thereafter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. As a native and hardy plant, it requires only occasional mulching in spring. Best planted in autumn, from late September to mid‑October (week 39 to 41), so roots establish before winter.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
nutrient-rich, moist, humus-rich, loamy
Feeding
Medium feeder
Pruning
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