Sambucus
racemosa, commonly known as red elder or red elderberry, is a deciduous
suckering shrub which typically grows to 8-12’ tall with a somewhat sprawling
habit. It features (1) opposite, pinnate-compound, green leaves (6-9” long)
which have 5-7 leaflets (each to 4” long), (2) dome-shaped clusters (panicled
cymes) of numerous, late spring to early summer, tiny, fragrant, white flowers
and (3) dark red, summer-to-fall elderberry fruits in upright clusters. This
shrub is native to Europe and northern Asia. Fruits are sour and usually not
consumed raw by humans, but may be cooked for use in the preparation of wine,
jelly and pies. Fruits are attractive to wildlife.
It is best
grown in deep, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.
Best foliage color is in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers
moist, humusy, nutrient-rich, neutral to slightly acidic loams. Garden Uses. Group
or mass in naturalized areas. Good
accent shrub featuring deeply incised leaves, attractive flowers and
interesting fruits. Landscape specimen, shrub borders, screens, backgrounds,
stream/pond peripheries or low spots. Good sprawling hedge. Hardy in zones 3-7.
Growing
Instructions
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They require 30-60 day warm, moist stratification
followed by at least 90-150 days cold stratification. The seeds can be planted
outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold
stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any
time of the year.
1. Warm
stratify the seeds for 30-60 days.
2. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it.
Store the bag in a refrigerator for 3-5 months.
2. The seeds
like moist, well-drained soil. Fill a pot with a mixture of half potting soil
and half sand or vermiculite.
3. Sow the
seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the
container.
5. Put the pot
in a warm, sunny area.
6. Water the
pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
7. The
seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.
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