Sambucus racemosa

Red-berried elder

Sambucus racemosa, commonly known as Red Elderberry, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. Highly valued in traditional herbalism, its berries and flowers possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While medicinal, careful preparation is essential, as raw components contain compounds that require processing to ensure safe consumption.

  • Scientific name: Sambucus racemosa
  • Family: Viburnaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Dipsacales and the family Viburnaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Sambucus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Dipsacales WCVP
Family Viburnaceae WCVP
Genus Sambucus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Sambucus racemosa, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Poland, it is referred to as bez koralowy, while in Hungary, it is called fürtös bodza. In the Nordic context, it is known as terttuselja in Finnish. The plant also shares similar names in Slavic languages, being called бузина червона in Ukrainian and бузина красная in Russian.
Language Common Name Source
pl Bez koralowy Wikidata
ru Бузина красная Wikidata
hu fürtös bodza Wikidata
fi terttuselja Wikidata
uk Бузина червона Wikidata
et punane leeder Wikidata
de Roter Holunder Wikidata
cs bez červený Wikidata
az Qırmızı gəndəlaş Wikidata
ba Өсҡат Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as red elderberry, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. The species also extends its range to include the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Furthermore, its presence is documented throughout the rugged landscapes of Norway. Together, these locations define its primary geographical footprint within the northern territories.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Red Elderberry, contains various components that are utilized in traditional medicine. The branch tips are often examined to identify the plant's growth patterns and the development of its distinctive flower clusters. Additionally, the bark can be harvested, though it must be used with caution due to the presence of various compounds that require careful processing.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
branch tip 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Sambucus racemosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include tannins.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Sambucus racemosa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include respiratory syncytial virus.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
respiratory syncytial virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆