Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea

$4.95 – $42.40

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Blue elderberry

A deciduous shrub to small tree that grows to 15 feet tall.

The attractive light green foliage and large clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers appearing abundantly in spring and early summer.  Edible fruits attract birds towards the end of summer.

Its berries are also, excellent in jelly, pie or for making elderberry wine.

While this tree is deciduous it comes out into leaf very early in the spring and drops its leaves late in the fall, so that it is only bare for a short time.

Pruning helps keeps it’s shape.

Previously named Sambucus mexicana

Lifeform: Shrub

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade

Water: Dry, Light, Moderate

Soil: Clay, Loam, Rocky, Sand

Other: Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant

 

Container

2-Gal, 2-Gal-O, 4-Gal, D-16-O, D-40-O, D-40O, TB4-O, TP4-O, 4-Gal-o, 5-Gal, D-16, D-40, D-40S, D-40S-o, TB4
Ecological Value

Berries are food source for many species of birds. Both S. mexicana and S. racemosa are obligate hosts of the federally threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle, which is endemic to the Central Va
Historical Uses

The Ohlone people used the berries for food, and a decoction of the leaves as a purgative and to treat new colds. A decoction of dried flowers were taken by the Kashaya Pomo people to break a fever. T
Distribution

Native to California and is also found elsewhere in North America and beyond.
Elevation

Between 0 and 10000 feet
Communities
Habitat

Canyons, limited to moist areas near creeks and drainages.

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