Elderberry, Mexican Blue (Sambucus nigra var. caerulea)

Mexican Blue Elderberry is a drought-tolerant western native and can handle heat and dry summers much better than its moisture loving Elder cousins. Its telltale, sweet, white blossoms appear in late spring, followed by powdery blue berries that ripen in dense, heavy clusters. Adapted to sun, heat, and dry conditions, Blue Elder is a versatile shrub for wildlife, feeding birds and providing a safe haven for pollinators.

The name Sambucus traces back to an old Greek word for a wind instrument, hinting that elder’s hollow branches once lent their voice to simple flutes. Its common name, “elder,” is thought to arise from aeld, meaning fire, perhaps a nod to the plant’s long-standing place at the hearth of old traditions. Hence, in the kitchen, cooked blue elderberries enliven jams, juices and sauces, while also lending their rich source of antioxidants to nutritious syrups that support your seasonal wellness routine.