Sambucus caerulea Blue elder (Caprifoliaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Sambucus caerulea
Blue elder
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Sambucus caerulea plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to California, east to Montana, Texas and Mexico. It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Blue elder. Some home gardeners know the variety as S. glauca. S. neomexicana.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Sambucus caerulea
Common Name:  Blue elder
Family:  Caprifoliaceae
Author:  Raf

Known Hazards:  The leaves, green fruits and stems of some (if not all) members of this genus are poisonous[9, 76, 226]. The fruit of this species has been known to cause stomach upsets to some people. Any toxin the fruit might contain is liable to be of very low toxicity and is destroyed when the fruit is cooked[65, 76].

Mature Height:  3   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Gravelly, rather dry soils on stream banks, margins of fields, woodlands etc[62, 82].

Cultivation Notes: Tolerates most soils, including chalk[200], but prefers a moist loamy soil[11, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position[1]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations[200]. A fast-growing but short-lived tree in the wild[229]. A shrub at Kew in September 1993 was carrying a good crop of tasty fruits[K]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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