Mexican Elderberry
Sambucus caerulea
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Shrub |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Moderate-high |
| Sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, moths |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
10-30' × 10-20' |
| Freeze Tolerant | Yes |
| Flowering Season | May-August |
| Flower Color | White |
| Minimum Temperature Range | -20 °F |
| Leaf Description | Opposite, compound, 3-5 leaflets with serrated edges |
| Fruit | Bunches of dark purple berries |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 2500-5000 ft. |
| Description | This large, fruit bearing shrub is suitable for cultivation anywhere in Arizona so long as water is available. Elderberry prefers to grow along streams, washes, or moist meadows so this plant works well in greywater gardens. It would also be a suitable hedge to grow near a vegetable garden where it will receive extra moisture, and where it can draw in pollinators, and wildlife. This species can get quite large with moisture, so give it plenty of room, but plant it somewhere prominent because it is gorgeous when in bloom. An ideal plant for permaculture gardens focused on food or medicine production. If elderberry is getting minimal water then don't be too surprised if it goes deciduous (drops leaves) in the summer, and leafs back out in the fall. This plant is a larval host for several moths. |
