Blue Elderberry
Sambucus caerulea
Full Description
Deciduous large shrub that grows up to 20′ tall with soft pithy twigs and dark blue-brown bark. Its leaves are large, divided into 5-7 leaflets that are sharply toothed. It has creamy white flowers that grow in dense rounded clusters. It produces bright blue berry-like drupes that are valuable to birds and wildlife. Fast growing handsome shrub. Berries are edible when ripe.
Plant Details
- Habitat:
- Upland Prairie and Savanna
Riparian Forests
Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland - Mature Height:
- 12’
- Shade Preference:
- Soil Tolerance:
- Well-drained soils
- Special Uses:
- Attracts insects, bees and butterflies; Attracts birds; Attracts hummingbirds; Provides wildlife forage, cover and food; Ornamental; Deer resistant