Sambucus mexicana

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Mexican Elderberry

 
California Native Plant
Plant photo of: Sambucus mexicana
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer: Linda Engstrom

 

Description

The Elderberry is a deciduous evergreen shrub or tree, reching 10'-30' tall. The leaves are a pale green and have 3-5 leaflets. This shrub or tree is very fast growing and drought tolerant. Cream colored flowers bloom in spring, followed by dark blue berries. It is a CA native and is a beneficial insect plant.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

12-25'

 

Flower Color

Yellow, White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Light Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Blue

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Poisonous

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.