Red elder |

Sambuscus recemosa

Etymology
The genus name Sambucus may come from the Greek sambúke, meaning "flute" or "harp," referring to the hollow stems once used to make small instruments. Racemosa refers to the raceme-like (clustered) arrangement of the flowers.

Habitat and Distribution
A hardy wild species, red elder grows throughout Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia Minor. It is a deciduous shrub and can also be used in natural hedgerows or thickets near fruit trees, where it attracts many pollinators. It is not demanding regarding soil type, as long as it is well-drained. It prefers partial shade but also tolerates sun and heat well. In Switzerland, it is found in hedgerows, rocky areas, and cleared land, especially in subalpine mountainous regions.

Ecological Value
Its early flowering, from May to June, presents as creamy white, star-shaped flowers arranged in conical panicles at the ends of the branches. It is rich in nectar and pollen, attracting pollinating insects. Later, it produces bright red, round berries in clusters that are highly decorative and loved by birds. Its flowers, wood, and fruits provide valuable shelter and food for many garden insects and birds, making it an excellent plant for natural hedges.

Culinary and Medicinal Value
The fruits are rich in pectin. Cooked, sieved, or filtered, they are often mixed with other forest berries to make jams, jellies, or marmalades. Used alone, they produce beautiful translucent red jelly or syrup. They may also be fermented to produce a distilled spirit.
Though red elder shares the same medicinal properties as black elder, the latter is preferred. Raw or unripe red elderberries are mildly toxic and may cause digestive upset.

Sources :

https://www.promessedefleurs.com/arbustes/arbustes-par-variete/sureaux/sambucus-racemosa.html