Maritime Arboretum Seed Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Red Elderberry is a hardy, native North American shrub valued for its clusters of creamy-white flowers, attractive foliage, and bright red berries. It provides excellent food and habitat for birds and wildlife and is well suited to woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and moist landscapes.

Approximate Maximum Height: 10 m
Zone(s): Zone 6 to Zone 9
About the Seeds: Clean Seed

Lighting: Partial shade to full sun. Red Elderberry naturally grows along forest edges and in open woodland areas. It performs best with some protection from intense afternoon sun, particularly where summers are hot, or conditions are dry.

Germination: Red Elderberry seeds have deep dormancy and can be slow and irregular to germinate. For reliable germination, soak seeds for approximately 24 hours, followed by a warm, moist stratification period of about 30-60 days and then 90-120 days of cold, moist stratification at approximately 1-5°C (34-41°F). Alternatively, seeds can be sown outdoors in fall to receive natural stratification. Germination may be spread over two growing seasons.

Watering: Keep the seed-starting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout stratification and germination. Once seedlings emerge, maintain even moisture and do not allow young plants to dry out. Red Elderberry naturally prefers moist soil and performs best where adequate moisture is available.

Photo Courtesy of Maritime Arboretum Ltd.