Elderberry - Red

Red Elderberry is a native plant in Canada. It has beautiful clusters of white flowers in the spring, which turn into red berries in the summer. The berries can cause stomach upset in humans if eaten raw, but are often cooked and used in wines, jellies and pies. It prefers moist, well draining acidic soil, but is adaptable. It is juglone tolerant so can be planted near walnut trees. The roots are shallow so avoid disturbing them when planting around it. Mulch will help keep the soil moist around the roots.

Harvest: late September
Pollinators: No. Requires another variety of elderberry to set fruit.
Zone: 3
Light: Full Sun to Shade
Height: 6-12' Width: 4'
Suckers: Yes
Deer Resistant: yes
Drought Tolerant: No. Prefers moist, well draining soil
Latin: Sambucas racemosa