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Red Elderberry
Red Elderberry botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa
In the United States: Native · also called red elderberry

Honeybees visit red elderberry flowers primarily for abundant pollen and moderate nectar supplies, supporting early-season foraging and colony buildup. Peak bloom typically hits in May to June across its range, providing a reliable resource before summer flows. This native shrub is low-maintenance but can suffer deer browsing, and its stems offer nesting sites for some native bees.

Nectarmedium
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) April–June
Hardiness zones3-7
Duration~3 weeks
TypePerennial
Sunpartial

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