Blue Elderberry

Sambucus cerulea, Viburnaceae

Zones

4–10

Layer

Understory

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Fast

Guild Roles

ProducerNitrogen FixerBeneficial Insect HabitatPollinator AttractorWindbreak

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)High (fruiting)

Soil pH

6 – 8

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Russian MilkvetchAstragalus falcatus

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

Persian CloverTrifolium resupinatum

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

Caley PeaLathyrus hirsutus

Nitrogen FixationPhysical Support

BabchiPsoralea corylifolia

Nitrogen FixationPest Deterrent

Sticky CurrantRibes viscosissimum

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Spurred LupineLupinus laxiflorus

Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing

boulder raspberryRubus deliciosus

Beneficial Insect HabitatNurse Plant

Bristol Black RaspberryRubus 'Bristol'

Beneficial Insect HabitatPest Deterrent

Antagonistic Plants

Japanese ArrowrootPueraria montana var. lobata

Japanese arrowroot aggressively competes for light and produces allelopathic compounds harmful to elderberry

Haskap BerryLonicera kamtschatica

Both are large shrubs that compete for canopy space and light resources

Bracted ViburnumViburnum bracteatum

Large shrubs in same family compete for similar light and space requirements

Uses

Functions

Riparian RestorationWildlife CorridorDual-Purpose Harvest

Edible Parts

BerriesFlowers

Medicinal Uses

Immune SupportAnti-ViralRespiratory Health

Common Questions

What zones does Blue Elderberry grow in?

Blue Elderberry grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 10.

Is Blue Elderberry a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Blue Elderberry is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Blue Elderberry?

Good companions for Blue Elderberry include Russian Milkvetch, Persian Clover, Caley Pea, Babchi, Sticky Currant.

Design guilds with Blue Elderberry and see companion relationships visually.

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