Dendrology of the Tolowa Dunes State Park 1 | Page 37

Sambucus cerula

blue elderberry

habitat:

Found on moist sites well drained sites in the sun, from British Columbia south to California, east through Idaho, Utah and Nevada. Elevation sea level to 9000 feet (Randall et al 1988).

A large shrub from 10’ to 20’ tall. Leaves opposite, 6” to 12” long, pinnately compound with 5 to 9 leaflets. Flowers white in terminal flat topped clusters. Fruit dark blue black berries covered with a powdery bloom. Stems long, slender light tan or orange brown. Opposite branching. Bark rough, greyish brown to black (Randall et al 1988).

Courtesy USDA Plants Database