Plant information

1. Blue/Mexican Elderberry – Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea (sam-BUCK-us NI-gruh sir-ROOL-ee-uh)
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family) – possible better in Adoxaceae?
Native to: Western N. America to northern Mexico. Found in drier, more open habitats within riparian areas, moist forests, north-facing hillsides. Also known as Sambucus cerulea and S. mexicana.
Growth characteristics: Large shrub/small tree mature height: to 24 ft. mature width: to 24 ft
Rapidly-growing, upright plant with an open lacy look. Leaves are attractive light green. Can be long- lived (50-100+ years).
Blooms/fruits: Cream/white flowers in clusters from May-Sept. Edible blue-colored fruits ripen from July- Sept. Self-fertile. Pollinated by bees.
Uses in the garden: Very adaptable. Use as a small specimen tree or bush in backs of beds. Good soil retention abilities – works well on slopes. Flowers have a sweet scent, so plant where you can enjoy it. Excellent for bird habitat. Does well in xeriscape or rain garden/vernal swale.
Attracts: a wide variety of birds use it for cover, nesting and the edible berries. Birds include Northern Flicker, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, Song Sparrow and Cedar Waxwing. Hummingbirds and bees are attracted to flowers.
Requirements:
Element
Requirement
Sun
Full sun (best) to partial shade
Soil
Sandy to medium texture best; well-drained
Water
Occasional water during hot weather; very drought tolerant
Fertilizer
None needed; might consider using an organic mulch or manure
Other
Does not tolerate salty soils or high winds (will cause breakage)
Management: very little needed. Prune out dead wood, or to shape, when dormant. Can prune into tree shape or prune heavily every few years to maintain bushy shape.
Propagation: from seed: difficult. From cuttings: Can be propagated from dormant hardwood cuttings taken in winter. Ask for protocol if interested.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 7, 8, 10-14, 16, 20, 21, 24-26, 28 12/15/10
More: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2012/08/plant-of-month-august-blue-mexican.html © Project SOUND

2. Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea
Blue (Mexican) elderberry