ELDERBERRY

Sambucus mexicana

Shrubs that grow from southern British Columbia to Southern California, and to West Texas, they typically reach heights of less than 20 feet and can be found in dry open forests, slightly humid areas, or on the edge of sloping roadsides. They are recognized for feathery leaves that it encounters and small, creamy flowers that bloom in spring and mature into blue-black berries with a waxy bloom in the fall. This plant is an essential food and habitat source for animals, such as fish, woodpeckers, pigeons, robins, and bluebirds. Elderberry is prized for its strong, fast-growing properties and is commonly planted on the edge of the forest and used as a fence. Also, people make Italian liquor Sambuca with anise flavoring and various herbs extracted from its flowers.

In human culture, Elderberries have been valued for their decorative charm and numerous health benefits. Native Americans in the past consumed their berries in different mediums and made tea with their petals. They also hollowed out their branches to make flutes, clapper sticks, and other kinds of tools.

1. ‘Blue Elderberry;Sambucus mexicana’, California native plant society. https://calscape.org/loc-California/Sambucus-mexicana-(Blue-Elderberry)?srchcr=sc63faeb441369d
2. ‘Elderberry’,  naturecollective.org
https://naturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/mexican-elderberry/
3. ‘Blue Elderberry, Sambucus’, native plants PNW. https://nativeplantspnw.com/blue-elderberry-sambucus-nigra-ssp-cerulea/