Malheur Experiment Station

Sambucus nigra L. ssp. cerulea

Sambucus nigra L. ssp. cerulea Common Names blue elderberry Family Honeysuckle Flower Color Cream white Plant Type Shrub Location McCall Native Yes Weed No

The Blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra L. ssp. cerulea) is a small shrub that has a fast growing rate. It has small white flowers in clusters and blue berries. Blue elderberry produces clusters of small white flowers that can be as broad as a small plate. You can find blue elderberry along moist areas or in mid-elevation woodlands and higher mountians in the mid Snake River watershed.

Even though the berries are edible, some sources advise cooking them before eating them. Elderberry is a fantastic shrub for wildlife and a beautiful addition to any garden. Hummingbirds, bumblebees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers as a source of nectar.