Blue Elderberry, Blue Elder, Blueberry Elder, Mexican Elder, Arizona Elderberry, New Mexico Elderberry, Velvet-leaf Elderberry, Hairy Blue Elderberry, Sambucus caerulea, Sambucus caerulea var. neomexicana, Sambucus caerulea var. velutina, Sambucus cerulea, Sambucus cerulea var. neomexicana, Sambucus cerulea var. velutina, Sambucus glauca, Sambucus mexicana ssp. caerulea, Sambucus mexicana ssp. cerulea, Sambucus mexicana var. caerulea, Sambucus mexicana var. cerulea, Sambucus neomexicana, Sambucus neomexicana var. vestita, Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, Sambucus velutina
Tough, easy to grow, fast-growing, and adaptable, Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea (Blue Elderberry) is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree adorned with flat-topped clusters, 8 in. across (20 cm), of fragrant, creamy flowers from spring to fall. The charming blossoms contrast nicely with the foliage of pinnately compound, medium green leaves and give way to edible berries later in the season. The berries are covered with a white, waxy bloom, making them appear blue when fully mature. They are quite delicious when used in preserves and pies, but should never be eaten when fresh and raw. Native to mountain areas in western North America, Blue Elderberry is typically found along streams, irrigation ditches, and other riparian corridors. It also grows in chaparral, sage scrub, grassland, and wetland-riparian habitats. Blue Elderberry provides great value to wildlife. It attracts many bird species and is one of the most important sources of berries for birds in California. It provides cover for many small mammals, birds, and insects. It is deer resistant and attracts a variety of butterflies and bees. Planted as an ornamental for the profusion of creamy flowers and blue fruits, Blue Elderberry is also a great restoration plant because it is tough, easy to grow, and can handle a variety of different soil moisture levels.
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
6 - 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Adoxaceae |
Genus | Sambucus |
Common names | Blue Elderberry, Elderberry, Elder |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m) |
Spread | 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m) |
Spacing | 240" - 360" (6.1m - 9.1m) |
Maintenance | High |
Water Needs | Low, Average, High |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Ponds And Streams |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden |
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
6 - 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Adoxaceae |
Genus | Sambucus |
Common names | Blue Elderberry, Elderberry, Elder |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m) |
Spread | 20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m) |
Spacing | 240" - 360" (6.1m - 9.1m) |
Maintenance | High |
Water Needs | Low, Average, High |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Ponds And Streams |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden |
How many Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea (Blue Elderberry) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea (Blue Elderberry) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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