Blue Elder
Sambucus cerulea
Also known as Blue Elderberry, Mexican Elder
Climate Match for your location
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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.
Why grow it
Blue elder is notable among native elderberries for its tolerance of drier conditions than most Sambucus species once established, making it useful where water conservation matters. The blue-gray berries ripen later in the season than black elderberry (S. nigra), potentially extending the window for wildlife forage and harvest. It grows rapidly in full sun with moderate water, useful for quick screening or erosion control in western climates.
Watch out for
This species can spread vigorously by seed where conditions suit it; monitor for volunteer seedlings beyond your intended planting area. Pruning is often needed to maintain a manageable form, as it naturally develops into a somewhat open, leggy structure without regular attention. Cook the berries before eating; raw berries, leaves and stems can make you sick.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Viburnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Blue Elder grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Blue elder is notable among native elderberries for its tolerance of drier conditions than most Sambucus species once established, making it useful where water conservation matters. The blue-gray berries ripen later in the season than black elderberry (S. nigra), potentially extending the window for wildlife forage and harvest. It grows rapidly in full sun with moderate water, useful for quick screening or erosion control in western climates.
Watch out for
This species can spread vigorously by seed where conditions suit it; monitor for volunteer seedlings beyond your intended planting area. Pruning is often needed to maintain a manageable form, as it naturally develops into a somewhat open, leggy structure without regular attention. Cook the berries before eating; raw berries, leaves and stems can make you sick.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Viburnaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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