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blue elder

blue elder

Sambucus cerulea

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 4aZone 9b

A fast-growing native shrub or small tree with flat-topped white flower clusters followed by distinctive blue-gray berries that are popular with birds. It naturally occurs in moist areas from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico and prefers full sun with moderate water.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
15–30′ tall × 15–25′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 4aZone 9b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 4a to Zone 9b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFall

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Western North America

Native to: California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico

Function & Care

biomass/mulchediblemedicinalpollinator nectarywildlife benefit

Edible Parts

fruit

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Years to Bearing
3 years
Propagation
seed, cutting, sucker