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

Red Elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

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
BloomMay–June
USDA zones3-7
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
NativeNorth America
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