Blue Elderberry

(Sambucus caerulea)

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus caerulea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Sambucus caerulea, commonly known as blue elderberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including moist riparian areas, open woodlands, and chaparral from British Columbia to Northern Mexico. It can grow to a height of 9 meters (30 ft) and a width of 6 meters (20 ft), often with multiple trunks if trained from a young age. The plant features large, flat-topped clusters of white or creamy flowers from May to June, which are umbel-shaped and can be up to 20 cm (8 in) wide. Despite their strong, unpleasant odor, they are attractive to pollinators. Following flowering, it produces juicy, bluish-black drupes with a pale powdery bloom, each containing 3 to 5 small seeds. These berries are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.

Blue elderberry is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its showy flower clusters and edible fruit, which can also be used in jams, jellies, and wines. It is commonly used in traditional and native plant gardens, as well as in natural landscaping and habitat restoration projects. The plant is beneficial in wildlife gardens, attracting pollinators, butterflies, hummingbirds, and feeding birds and chipmunks. Blue elderberry prefers full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to pests like the elderberry borer and diseases such as powdery mildew. It is important to note that while the fruit is edible, all other parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrubs, Trees
  • Height: 15-30 feet
  • Width: 6-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist riparian areas, open woodlands, and chaparral

Other Names

Common Names: Blue Elder , Blueberry Elder , Sureau Bleu

Scientific Names: Sambucus cerulea , Sambucus caerulea , Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea , Sambucus nigra subsp. cerulea , Sambucus nigra var. caerulea , Sambucus nigra var. cerulea , Sambucus velutina , Sambucus cerulea var. neomexicana , Sambucus neomexicanus , Sambucus caerulea var. neomexicana

GBIF Accepted Name: Sambucus caerulea Raf.