Sambucus racemosa - European Red Elder

Sambucus racemosa, also known as red elderberry, is a medium-sized bush that is decorative due to its spring flowering in large cream-white pointed panicles, that go on to produce clusters of red berries in summer that are highly appreciated by birds. It is a hardy bush with moderate growth, easy to integrate into even the smallest garden. It is easy to cultivate and perfectly hardy in all normal soils, in partial shade. It can be used in informal hedges with a wild appearance or in groves near fruit trees, where it will attract many pollinators.

A very hardy wild species found in Europe, North Africa, and as far as Asia Minor, the Sambucus racemosa or mountain elder is a deciduous bush from the Caprifoliaceae family, like honeysuckles, weigelas, and valerians. The plant has a bushy habit with trailing branches, and forms a tall and wide bush, up to a maximum of 4m (13ft). Its somewhat indistinct habit and flexible branches covered with abundant foliage give a wild charm to this bush. Its growth is rapid. The deciduous leaves, opposite, with oblong leaflets with toothed edges, 20cm (8in) long, are dark green. Nectar-rich and honey-producing, its very early flowering in conical panicles of star-shaped creamy-white flowers appears at the end of the stems from April to May. This is followed by the formation of clusters of highly decorative, round, and shiny red berries that birds love.

The red-berried elder is a treasure for natural and rustic gardens. Undemanding in terms of soil type as long as it is well-drained, this variety prefers partial shade but tolerates sun and heat well. In an informal hedge, in a grove, or on a slope, combine it with species with which it is found in its original habitat - such as birch, hazelnut, goat willow, and bird cherry. With its bright berries it also works well alongside autumnal colours, in front of a screen of deciduous spindle trees, Cotinus, Hydrangea quercifolia, or Parrotia persica.

In the garden: Elder leaves are known to accelerate compost decomposition. Black elder leaf infusion is useful in organic gardening to combat mildew and attacks by aphids or rodents: macerate 1kg of leaves for a few days in 10L of water, and spray as needed. It can also be planted in an orchard, where it will attract birds that prey on insects.