ExplorePlants

blue elder

Sambucus cerulea

The blue elder is a lovely shrub with beautiful blue berries. It grows in sunny places and is a favorite among birds and other wildlife. The flowers are pretty and attract many pollinators!

Habitat: Sunny areas and open woods

Appearance

The blue elder is a large shrub or small tree distinguished by its powdery, sky-blue berries, which grow in large, flat-topped clusters. Its creamy-white flowers also form impressive flat-topped sprays. Unlike many berries, its unique glaucous coating gives it a distinctly hazy blue hue.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderDipsacalesFamilyViburnaceaeGenusSambucus
blue elder
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
blue elder

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Blue elder's flowers were once used to make a refreshing, bubbly cordial drink!

Indigenous peoples historically crafted musical flutes from its hollow stems!

Its scientific name 'cerulea' literally means sky-blue, perfectly describing its berries!

The mysterious white powder on its blue berries is called a 'bloom'!

Special abilities

Ability

Sunscreen Berries

Blue elder's berries have a white powdery coating protecting them from sun and moisture loss.

Ability

Fire Resilience

Blue elder can quickly regrow from its root crown even after severe wildfires, helping it survive.

Ability

Tiny Home Builder

Blue elder has hollow stems that offer perfect shelter for many small insects to live inside.

Measurements & details

Height
300-900 cm
Spread
200-600 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Western Bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

collects nectar and pollen, aiding plant reproduction.

eats

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

eats the ripe, nutrient-rich blue berries.

eats

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

enjoys snacking on the plant's abundant blue berries.

shelters

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

uses the hollow stems as nesting sites.

eats

Beet Armyworm

Spodoptera exigua

larvae feed on the leaves and flowers.

Traits

Also known as

Blue Elderberry

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not eat the berries raw, as they can make you feel sick. Always ask an adult before trying new plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is blue elder?

300-900 cm

How wide does blue elder spread?

200-600 cm

How big are the flowers on blue elder?

0.3-0.5 cm

When does blue elder bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is blue elder edible?

Yes

Is blue elder toxic?

Mild

What is blue elder's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is blue elder pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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