How much sun does Sambucus cerulea need?

Sambucus cerulea grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Sambucus cerulea bloom?

Sambucus cerulea blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Sambucus cerulea native?

Sambucus cerulea is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Sambucus cerulea host?

Sambucus cerulea is a larval host plant for spring azure.

Sambucus cerulea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Last reviewed: October 2026

Sambucus cerulea is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees, flies, and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Sambucus cerulea is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

120"–240" H × 96"–180" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A large, fast-growing shrub or small multi-trunked tree with compound leaves and broad flat clusters of small creamy white flowers, followed by clusters of blue-black berries with a powdery bloom. Occasional pruning keeps it in bounds.

Growing Sambucus cerulea

Grow Sambucus cerulea in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 96 to 180 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for spring azure.

Flowers support many pollinators and berries are a major food source for dozens of bird species; foliage hosts spring azure caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Sambucus cerulea need?: Sambucus cerulea grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sambucus cerulea bloom?: Sambucus cerulea blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Sambucus cerulea native?: Sambucus cerulea is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Sambucus cerulea host?: Sambucus cerulea is a larval host plant for spring azure.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Sambucus cerulea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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