Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Pacific Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa) is a native shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is moderately fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 18 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are white and striking, and bloom in the mid summer. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in moist places, at elevations from 0-5900 feet.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

10 - 20 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

White, Cream

Flowering season

Summer

Special uses

Deer resistant

Sun

Partial Shade

Water

Low, Moderate

Soil description

Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.

Sunset Zones

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17

Site type

Moist places

Plant communities

Douglas-Fir Forest, Northern Coastal Scrub, Forest

Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 23 likely

Confirmed Likely

Acerra normalis

Admetovis oxymorus

Common Gray

Anavitrinella pampinaria

Polyphemus moth

Antheraea polyphemus