A fast-growing, hardy California native shrub, the Blue Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) is a versatile plant for many landscape applications. When shaped into the appropriate form, a Blue Elderberry tree can be used an attractive, winter deciduous specimen tree.
Its large clusters of cream-colored flowers in spring and namesake berries in fall are important food sources for California wildlife, attracting numerous butterflies, bees, birds, and other animals.
The Blue Elderberry fruit turns a powdery blackish-blue when ripe. Some people choose to eat this nutrient-dense fruit, waiting until it is fully ripe to cook into syrup, wine, pie, and jam, as well as herbal medicines.
When planting a Blue Elderberry tree, choose a spot with full sun and well-draining moist, rich soil.
