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California Native Plant

Sambucus mexicana

Blue Elderberry

Plant photo of: Sambucus mexicana
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Information by: SelecTree        Photographer: SelecTree

 

Description

The blue elderberry is a winter-deciduous shrub that can reach heights greater than 25 feet but typically pruned to 20' tall and 10-20' wide. It may be considered a small tree, except that it rarely has only a single trunk, a feature that many botanists use to help define the unclear distinction between shrubs and trees. Blue elderberry grows throughout western North America along streams and also in drier habitats such as coastal scrub, chaparral, and forest openings. In spring, it produces flat-topped clusters of many cream-colored flowers. These are followed by bunches of dark blue, wax-covered berries during summer. The fruit, which are attractive to birds, can be used for making pie, jelly, and wine. All parts of this plant are poisonous except the flowers and berries. Leaves are light green color. Bark may be dark or light gray and fissured. It does best in full sun with sandy, acidic soil. It does not tolerate coastal conditions.

 

Sun

Full

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Poisonous

Water Saving Tip:

Adjust the water pressure of you irrigation system.

Spray sprinklers work best at 30 pounds per square inch (psi), and gear and impact rotor sprinklers at 40-60 psi.