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California Native Plant

Sambucus mexicana

Blue or Mexican Elderberry

Plant photo of: Sambucus mexicana
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Information by: Mary Irish        Photographer: Linda Engstrom

 

Description

The Elderberry is a deciduous evergreen shrub or tree that grows to 20' x 15'. It is similar to the blue elderberry . The leaves are a pale green and have 3-5 leaflets. This shrub or tree is a very fast growing drought tolerant plant. Beneficial insects are attracted to this plant. Native to California.

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

12-25'

Flower Color

Yellow, White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Blue

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Medium

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Use multiple cycles of irrigation on watering days. Most sprinklers deliver water faster than soils can absorb it.

By breaking up the watering time into smaller segments, runoff can be greatly reduced.