Blue Elderberry

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.