Blue Elderberry
Sambucus nigra subsp. cerulea
Adoxaceae, Caprifoliaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native
Last updated
Blue elderberry is classified as a subspecies of Sambucus nigra, native to western North America from British Columbia to California. This shrub or small tree produces blue to blue-black berries with a characteristic waxy coating, distinguishing it from the black berries of European elderberry subspecies.
Blue elderberry tolerates wet riparian conditions and drier uplands, adapting to a range of soils and moisture levels. The berries are less preferred for culinary use than some selections of S. nigra, though they remain an important wildlife food. The plant is extremely cold-hardy and grows quickly once established.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Blue Elderberry has reached 'bud break' (812 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'leaf emergence', predicted around Apr 14.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 145 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 155 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 215 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 220 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 225 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 251 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'Bud break' | 'Leaf emergence' | 256 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● 'Bud break' BBCH '07' NOW | 812 | '' |
| ○ 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NEXT | 1326 | '' est. Apr 14 (forecast) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.