Red Elder
Sambucus microbotrys
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Pl. 07A0 — Sambucus microbotrys
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IOverview
Overview
Red Elder (Sambucus microbotrys) is a deciduous shrub native to the western United States, found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full to partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows up to 2 meters tall. Known for its edible flowers and fruit, Red Elder has been utilized by various indigenous communities for culinary purposes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to adapt to a range of soil types while still requiring moisture; another notable characteristic is its light green foliage that turns yellow in autumn, adding ornamental value to landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Red Elder?
Red Elder (Sambucus microbotrys) is a deciduous shrub native to the western United States, found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full to partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
What is Red Elder used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Red Elder
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Red Elder has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to aid digestion, often prepared as a tea from the flowers and berries. This preparation is believed to help soothe digestive discomfort.
The mechanism by which Red Elder aids digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that have anti-inflammatory or carminative effects.
- Red Elder has been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune health, often prepared as a decoction from the berries and flowers. This preparation is believed to help maintain overall wellness during seasonal changes.
The mechanism by which Red Elder supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Red Elder support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Red Elder thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 5-9 and can reach a height of 2 meters. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. Harvest the plant's edible parts—flowers and fruit—for culinary uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Red Elder for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Red Elder in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Red Elder saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining, either sandy, medium, or clay.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings into the garden or containers filled with moist, well-draining soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Monitor for signs of stress and adjust watering as needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light to partial shade, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest flowers for teas and fruits for jams.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruit
Edible uses: The red elder's flowers and fruits are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or used to make tea, while the fruits are typically cooked into jams, jellies, or pies. Both parts add a sweet flavor to dishes when prepared properly.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 7 native
Broader regions
native:California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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