Taken late July 2024
Sambucus racemosa
Red elderberry
Description:
A fast-growing large shrub
The profuse sprays of white flowers on the red elderberry mature into large clusters of red berries that contrast beautifully against the pinnately compound leaves (leaves that are divided into smaller leaflets that grow on either side of a stem)
The berries are consumed by birds but must be cooked before human consumption
Rarity: Locally common
Flowering time: Early Summer
Life cycle: Perennial
Height 6 to 18 feet
Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest
Found in: Mt. Rainier Np, Olympic Np, West Gorge, N Cascades Np
Native: Yes
Source: Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest
Additional resource: Oregon Flora Project