Plant Profile: Sambucus racemosa subsp. pubens

Red Elderberry is a deciduous shrub indigenous to spruce-fir and northern hardwood forests, thriving in rocky, high-elevation habitats in mountainous regions. In some areas, particularly in Virginia and further north, it can be found at elevations as low as 75 meters. This shrub typically exhibits an upright, vase-like shape. It serves as a valuable resource for wildlife, attracting birds with its berries and drawing butterflies and various insects with its flowers. While it can become invasive, spreading through root suckers, regular pruning in late winter can help manage its growth and keep it contained; otherwise, it may naturalize and continue to expand its range.