Blue Elderberry

Sambucus mexicana ssp. cerulea

a shrub with compound leaves and white bunches of small flowers

Plant Description

Fast-growing handsome large shrub with a fountain shape. Large compound leaves with clusters of small white flowers that are followed by blueberry-like fruits with a whitish bloom. Flowers are visited by butterflies, bees, beetles, and other pollinators. Fruit is edible but not very palatable when fresh, though the birds like it. Elderberry also has medicinal uses.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Shrub
Habitats	Forest understories Gardens Little Habitats Prairies Residential yards Riparian areas Riparian forests
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Dry to moist Well drained
Special Uses	Attracts birds Attracts hummingbirds Attracts pollinators and or other beneficial insects Blooms July Blooms June Blooms May Deciduous Deer resistant Drought tolerant Erosion control Flowering Flowers white Good for shady woodland garden Hedgerow Perennial Produces berries Produces fruit Produces nectar Produces pollen Produces seeds Provides soil stabilization Provides wildlife habitat Restoration/revegetation Woody
Shade Preference	Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	10-30'