Blue Elderberry

Sambucus Mexicana

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Overview

Blue Elderberry, or Sambucus mexicana, is a versatile shrub native to the southwestern U.S. It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide, thriving in USDA zones 7-10. This deciduous plant boasts creamy-white flower clusters in late spring, succeeded by edible blue-black berries. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate water, adding wildlife appeal and hedging aesthetics. Space plants 6-10 feet apart for a lush landscape feature.

Sun FullWater LowZones 6–10Climate Temperate

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Blue Elderberry, or Sambucus mexicana, is a versatile shrub native to the southwestern U.S

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Blue Elderberry, or Sambucus mexicana, is a versatile shrub native to the southwestern U.S

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide, thriving in USDA zones 7-10

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — This deciduous plant boasts creamy-white flower clusters in late spring

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — succeeded by edible blue-black berries

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate water, adding wildlife appeal and hedging aesthetics

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Space plants 6-10 feet apart for a lush landscape feature

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Low
USDA zones: 6–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Caprifoliaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (95)

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It often reaches a mature height of 6 to 12 feet with a similar spread

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Blue Elderberry, or Sambucus mexicana, is a versatile shrub native to the southwestern U.S

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide, thriving in USDA zones 7-10

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — This deciduous plant boasts creamy-white flower clusters in late spring

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — succeeded by edible blue-black berries

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate water, adding wildlife appeal and hedging aesthetics

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Space plants 6-10 feet apart for a lush landscape feature

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — scientifically named Sambucus mexicana

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — is an attractive deciduous shrub indigenous to the western United States

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — though it can sometimes stretch upwards to 30 feet in optimal conditions

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — This plant is characterized by its dense

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — each approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Not only are these berries visually appealing against the backdrop of its dark green leaves

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — but they are also edible and a valuable food source for local wildlife

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — including birds and butterflies

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Its versatility in natural

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — or wildlife garden designs makes it an excellent choice for a variety of settings

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — As a fast-growing species, it is ideal for quickly filling spaces or creating natural borders

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — Prune as needed to encourage a more compact growth habit and to remove any dead or diseased wood

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — This is a low-maintenance plant that has a high impact in the garden both aesthetically and ecologically

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — white flowers in the garden

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — shrub with white blooms

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) — shrub for full

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