Red Elderberry
'First bloom'Sambucus racemosa
Adoxaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Red elderberry is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and northern Asia, reaching 10-15 feet tall with deeply divided, pinnate leaves. Unlike other elderberry species, it produces red berries in pyramidal panicles rather than flat-topped clusters. The flowers are white and fragrant.
Red elderberry tolerates moist soils and prefers light shade to full sun. Hardy to USDA zones 3-7, it is fast-growing and often colonizes disturbed sites. The berries are toxic to humans but are consumed by birds; the plant is grown primarily for ornamental value.
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Field Observations
Diseases: Regionally Documented (1)
Pests: Regionally Documented (2)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Red Elderberry has reached 'first bloom' (1200 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'fall color / leaf senescence', predicted around Jun 20.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 439 |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 447 |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 502 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 543 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 577 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 579 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | 'First bloom' | 'Fall color / leaf senescence' | 677 |
View full calendar (6 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 603 | '' |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 784 | '' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 926 | '' |
| ● 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NOW | 1200 | '' |
| ○ 'Fall color / leaf senescence' BBCH '93' NEXT | 3112 | '' est. Jun 20 (avg) |
| 'Fruit' BBCH '81' | 4845 Observed | '' est. Aug 12 (avg) |
Sources: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=80, median. services.usanpn.org' ; 'Field observation, Kent, WA, n=1' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.