How much sun does Red-berry elder need?

Red-berry elder grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Red-berry elder bloom?

Red-berry elder blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Red-berry elder native?

Red-berry elder (Sambucus racemosa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Red-berry elder attract?

Red-berry elder draws native bees, syrphid flies, and beetles.

Red-berry elder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sambucus racemosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Red-berry elder (Sambucus racemosa) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 33 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees, syrphid flies, and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Red-berry elder (Sambucus racemosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

96"–180" H × 96"–144" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 33 more states

Pollinators

native bees, syrphid flies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

A fast-growing shrub with compound leaves, dome-shaped clusters of creamy flowers, and dense heads of bright red fruit in midsummer. It colonizes clearings and edges and regrows quickly after hard pruning.

Growing Red-berry elder

Grow Red-berry elder in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 96 to 180 inches tall and spread 96 to 144 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Early fruit fills a summer gap for birds, and the flat flower clusters feed short-tongued bees, flies and beetles.

Common questions

How much sun does Red-berry elder need?: Red-berry elder grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Red-berry elder bloom?: Red-berry elder blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Red-berry elder native?: Red-berry elder (Sambucus racemosa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Red-berry elder attract?: Red-berry elder draws native bees, syrphid flies, and beetles.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Red-berry elder? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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