When does Blue Elderberry bloom?

Blue Elderberry produces white flower clusters from May through July in its native California range.

What pollinators visit Blue Elderberry?

Blue Elderberry attracts a variety of beneficial insects including bees, butterflies, and beetles to its fragrant flower clusters.

What growing conditions does Blue Elderberry prefer?

This adaptable native shrub tolerates full sun to partial shade and can handle varying water conditions from dry to moist soils once established.

Where is Blue Elderberry native?

Blue Elderberry is native to California and other western states, where it grows naturally in riparian areas, woodland edges, and mountain slopes.

Is Blue Elderberry toxic to livestock?

Blue Elderberry is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is Blue Elderberry HOA-friendly?

Blue Elderberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Blue Elderberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea

Last reviewed: July 2026

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) is a native California shrub that produces clusters of white flowers from May through July. This deciduous plant attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles while tolerating various light and water conditions.

Blue Elderberry is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

96"–240" H × 96"–240" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

Blue elderberry is a large native shrub with attractive clusters of small white flowers followed by blue-black berries. It grows quickly to form a substantial screen or backdrop with its spreading form and compound leaves.

Growing Blue Elderberry

Grow Blue Elderberry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 96 to 240 inches tall and spread 96 to 240 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blue Elderberry is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Can grow very large (8-20 feet) if not pruned regularly
May look unkempt during winter dormancy
Berries can cause staining on hardscapes

Wildlife value

Host plant for mourning cloak butterfly.

Blue elderberry attracts numerous pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles to its flowers, while birds eagerly consume the berries. The plant provides excellent nesting habitat for birds.

Common questions

When does Blue Elderberry bloom?: Blue Elderberry produces white flower clusters from May through July in its native California range.
What pollinators visit Blue Elderberry?: Blue Elderberry attracts a variety of beneficial insects including bees, butterflies, and beetles to its fragrant flower clusters.
What growing conditions does Blue Elderberry prefer?: This adaptable native shrub tolerates full sun to partial shade and can handle varying water conditions from dry to moist soils once established.
Where is Blue Elderberry native?: Blue Elderberry is native to California and other western states, where it grows naturally in riparian areas, woodland edges, and mountain slopes.
Is Blue Elderberry toxic to livestock?: Blue Elderberry is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
Is Blue Elderberry HOA-friendly?: Blue Elderberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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