Sambucus racemosa var. callicarpa, Red Elderberry
Sambucus racemosa var. callicarpa, Red Elderberry
This large shrub or small tree displays fragrant white blossoms that are frequented by hummingbirds and butterflies in the springtime, followed by showy clusters of deep red berries in the summer. It flaunts an irregularly serrated, jagged-edged leaf and tends to prefer year round moisture. It is cultivated most commonly as an ornamental, but the fruits are edible if properly cooked and de-seeded. Thrives from periodic coppicing. Its hollow pithy branches were used to make clapper sticks and flutes by native first peoples.