Blue Elderberry | Sambucus caerulea

A cluster of small blue berries hangs from a branch, surrounded by green leaves, suggesting a healthy plant.
Photo Credit: Seven Oaks Native Nursery
The image features a cluster of small, creamy white flowers on a green stem, with surrounding leaves.
A lush green tree with clusters of dark, purple fruits, surrounded by grasses and other greenery.
A green shrub or tree with clusters of small white flowers and green leaves, surrounded by other foliage.
A close-up of clusters of small, white flowers with delicate petals, set against a green background.
A cluster of small blue berries hangs from a branch, surrounded by green leaves, suggesting a healthy plant.
The image features a cluster of small, creamy white flowers on a green stem, with surrounding leaves.
A lush green tree with clusters of dark, purple fruits, surrounded by grasses and other greenery.
A green shrub or tree with clusters of small white flowers and green leaves, surrounded by other foliage.
A close-up of clusters of small, white flowers with delicate petals, set against a green background.

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

Habitats Upland Prairie and Savanna, Riparian Forests, Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland
Mature Height 12’
Shade Preference full sun, part shade, shade
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