Sambucus mexicana
Blue Elderberry
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
Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.
Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers