Red Elderberry Tree Seeds

Red Elderberry is a fast-growing deciduous shrub or small tree valued for its attractive clusters of creamy-white spring flowers and bright red berries. Native across much of North America, Sambucus racemosa is an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, woodland gardens, wildlife habitats, streambanks, and restoration plantings. The colorful berries provide an important food source for many bird species.

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Sambucus racemosa
• Common Name: Red Elderberry
• Family: Adoxaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Native Range: North America, Europe, and parts of Asia
• Mature Height: 6–15 feet
• Mature Spread: 6–12 feet
• Growth Rate: Fast
• USDA Zones: 3–7
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate to high
• Drought Tolerance: Low to moderate once established
• Salt Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Moderate
• Wildlife Value: High; flowers attract pollinators and berries provide food for birds and wildlife
• Container Friendliness: Suitable for large containers when young
• Landscape Uses: Woodland gardens, wildlife habitats, naturalized areas, streambanks, hedges, restoration projects, and erosion control
• Germination Rate: 50–70%
• Pre-treatment: 30 days of warm stratification followed by 120–160 days of cold stratification

Germination Instructions

Red Elderberry seeds require both warm and cold stratification to help break seed dormancy. Mix the seeds with slightly moist sterile sand, peat moss, or seed-starting medium. Keep the mixture at approximately 65–75°F for 30 days.

After warm stratification, place the seeds and moist medium in a sealed plastic bag or covered container and refrigerate at approximately 34–41°F for 120–160 days. Check periodically to ensure the medium remains slightly moist but not wet.

After stratification, sow seeds approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the containers in a bright location with temperatures around 65–75°F. Cover with a humidity dome to help maintain moisture. Germination may be slow and irregular, so patience is recommended.

Growing Information

• Plant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed
• Choose a location with full sun to partial shade
• Prefers moist, fertile soil with good drainage
• Space plants approximately 6–10 feet apart
• Water regularly during establishment
• Apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds
• Prune older or damaged stems during dormancy to encourage healthy new growth
• Plants may spread through suckers and form natural colonies
• Suitable for woodland edges, moist natural areas, wildlife gardens, and restoration plantings

Seed Quantities Available

• 1 oz. – Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 1/4 lb. – Approximately 40,000 Seeds
• 1 lb. – Approximately 160,000 Seeds