What light does Sambucus pubens (Red Elderberry) prefer?

Red Elderberry does best with part sun, though it tolerates conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, especially where soil moisture stays consistent.

How much water does Red Elderberry need?

This shrub grows best in medium to consistently moist soil and struggles in dry conditions, so regular watering helps it establish in garden settings.

When does Sambucus pubens bloom?

Red Elderberry produces its flower clusters in May and June, with berries forming later in summer.

What insects visit Red Elderberry flowers?

The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, which feed on pollen and nectar during the spring bloom period.

Is Red Elderberry HOA-friendly?

Red Elderberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Red Elderberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sambucus pubens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sambucus pubens is a deciduous shrub of moist woodland edges and streambanks, blooming with clusters of small white flowers in May and June before setting bright red berry clusters.

Toxicity unknown

Red Elderberry (Sambucus pubens) 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

36"–72" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AZ, CA, CT and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

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 449 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Canadian elder is a medium-sized native shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in late spring followed by bright red berries in summer. This deciduous shrub has a rounded, informal growth habit and provides excellent seasonal interest through flowers, fruit, and fall color.

Growing Red Elderberry

Grow Red Elderberry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Red Elderberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Informal growth habit may appear unstructured
Can look sparse in winter without leaves

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies in May and June. The bright red berries are an important food source for birds and other wildlife throughout summer.

Common questions

What light does Sambucus pubens (Red Elderberry) prefer?: Red Elderberry does best with part sun, though it tolerates conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, especially where soil moisture stays consistent.
How much water does Red Elderberry need?: This shrub grows best in medium to consistently moist soil and struggles in dry conditions, so regular watering helps it establish in garden settings.
When does Sambucus pubens bloom?: Red Elderberry produces its flower clusters in May and June, with berries forming later in summer.
What insects visit Red Elderberry flowers?: The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, which feed on pollen and nectar during the spring bloom period.
Is Red Elderberry HOA-friendly?: Red Elderberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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 Elderberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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