Red Elder (Sambucus racemosa)

Family: Caprifoliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Sambucus racemosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. A bitter flavour. The fruit is quite nutritious, having a relatively high fat and protein as well as carbohydrate content. The fruit can be dried prior to use, it will then lose some of its rank taste. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; A bitter flavour.; The fruit is quite nutritious, having a relatively high fat and protein as well as carbohydrate content.; The fruit can be dried prior to use, it will then lose some of its rank taste.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist to wet soils along streams, in woods and open areas from valleys to around 3,000 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)