Red-berried elder (Sambucus racemosa, L. 1753)

Identity

Red-berried elder (Sambucus racemosa L., 1753), also called red elderberry, is a deciduous shrub in the genus Sambucus, family Viburnaceae. Carl Linnaeus described it in Species Plantarum in 1753 from material collected in the mountains of southern Europe. ^{2 1}

Both English common names emphasize the usual red fruit. The French name sureau à grappes instead points to the upright flower cluster. Together, fruit color and panicle shape distinguish this shrub from European elderberry without a botanical identification key. ⁴

Recognition

Dense growth reaches 2 to 4 m (6.5 to 13 ft) tall, with stems containing a broad white pith that can be seen by cutting a young twig. Opposite, compound leaves have 5 to 7 toothed leaflets, each 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 in) long, and smell unpleasant when crushed. ⁴

Spring flowers open several weeks before those of European elderberry. Each upright, cone-shaped panicle measures 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in); pink buds open into cream to yellowish-white flowers with five yellow stamens, a consistent count in this species. This upright panicle, rather than the flat umbel of European elderberry, identifies Sambucus racemosa before its fruit develops. ⁴

Small drupes ripen bright red in summer, packed into compact clusters. Some North American varieties, such as var. melanocarpa, have purplish-black berries instead, so fruit color alone can mislead identification. ⁴

Useful taxonomy

Four recognized varieties and subspecies occupy distinct areas on different continents:

• Sambucus racemosa subsp. racemosa, the European form, extending to the Caucasus;
• Sambucus racemosa subsp. pubens (Michx.) Hultén, known as American red elder;
• Sambucus racemosa var. melanocarpa (A.Gray) McMinn, with black berries, in western North America;
• Sambucus racemosa var. microbotrys (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles, in the southwestern United States.

The accepted name, Sambucus racemosa L., has remained stable since its original publication in 1753 through subsequent revisions. Its family placement has changed: formerly classified in Caprifoliaceae, the species now belongs to Viburnaceae in Kew's taxonomic references. ^{1 2}

Habitat and range

European populations extend to the Caucasus, while a distinct North American population ranges from Canada to the mountains of the western United States. In France, Sambucus racemosa mainly occupies open woodland, forest edges and streambanks at moderate mountain elevations. ^{1 4}

Compared with European elderberry, which is more common in lowlands and disturbed ground, red-berried elder favors cool and often higher sites. It tolerates a wide range of soils, from limestone to heavy clay, provided moisture is sufficient. ^{5 4}

By late summer, its berries are among the first fleshy fruits available to fruit-eating birds in mountain woodland, before the later ripening of European elderberry. ⁴

Life cycle and reproduction

Early spring flowering in Sambucus racemosa mainly attracts flies and a few butterflies, a smaller group of visitors than European elderberry draws in the main growing season. After fertilization, the drupes ripen within a few weeks, becoming bright red or, more rarely, purplish black depending on the variety. ⁴

Propagation mainly uses seed after several months of cold stratification, or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Fresh seed without stratification germinates slowly and irregularly, sometimes over several seasons. ^{5 4}

An adult-sized shrub develops within 3 to 5 years and then flowers regularly each spring. Moderate pruning after flowering preserves buds formed the previous year; late-winter pruning can remove them. ⁴

Uses and risks

Garden planting centers on informal hedges, specimens and open woodland. Golden-leaved cultivars such as Sutherland Gold are valued for their finely cut outline, but need protection from scorching afternoon sun to prevent browned leaves. ³

Raw foliage of Sambucus racemosa causes digestive upset if eaten, as do its stems, bark and seeds, which are also toxic raw. In some regions, cooked fruit is traditionally made into syrup, jelly or wine, but the berries remain irritating when raw. The ASPCA lists elderberry as toxic to dogs and cats, including the fresh foliage. ^{5 6}

Varieties, look-alikes and related plants

Sutherland Gold and Plumosa Aurea share deeply cut golden foliage, while Lemony Lace adds red-tinged spring shoots. Tenuifolia keeps finely dissected green leaves on a lower, more compact plant. None of these horticultural names represents a separate botanical species or subspecies. ³

Potential look-alikes include the following shrubs:

• Sambucus nigra, with flat umbels and black berries, the most frequent confusion in France;
• Viburnum opulus, whose lobed leaves differ from the elder's compound leaves;
• Viburnum lantana, with simple rather than compound leaves.

In field identification, flower-cluster shape separates Sambucus racemosa from these related species more quickly than fruit color, since color already varies among its North American varieties.

Main sources

• Plants of the World Online / Kew, Sambucus racemosa L.
• International Plant Names Index, Sambucus racemosa L.
• Royal Horticultural Society, Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'
• Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Sambucus racemosa
• Plants For A Future, Sambucus racemosa
• ASPCA, Elderberry toxicity entry