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Sambucus caerulea

Blue Elderberry

Plant photo of: Sambucus caerulea
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Information by: W-E Plants for the Willamette Valle        Photographer:

 

Description

The Blue Elderberry is a deciduous shrub that grows 6'-15' tall and 8-10' wide. It can form a thicket with time. Small narrow leaves are bright green. Small yellowish white flowers appear in flat clusters during spring. Dark blue fruit appears in summer and fall, which is edible for jams, pies or wine but not fresh off the shrub. Birds will eat fruit in late fall. This shrub does best in full or part sun with moist soil. Prune to remove older stems; will refresh the shrub.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

Width Range

12-25'

Flower Color

Yellow, White

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Light Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Blue

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low, Medium

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Moist

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Wetlands, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Patio, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.