Sambucus racemosa

Red Elderberry

Red Elderberry
aka Red Elder, Red-fruited Elder. An impressive shrub which may grow to 15′ (5 m) hence the varietal name arborescens or ‘tree-like’. Producing a rather heavy unpleasant fragrance the big creamy white clusters host a variety of insects. Each leaf has 5 – 7 saw-toothed leaflets which are 2″ – 6″ long. The red berries were an important food for native people when cooked since raw berries may cause nausea. Common in wet areas and along streams below 5,000′ elevation.

Family:

Adoxaceae - MUSKROOT FAMILY

Genus:

Sambucus from Greek sambuke, a musical instrument of elderwood

Species:

racemosa means 'with flowers in racemes'
Photo location: Comet Falls trail and at old Carbon River entrance/ranger station.