Mexican Elderberry

Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) is a deciduous shrub that is native to Mexico and the western United States. This plant has a height range of 6 to 12 feet, with an upright, multi-stemmed form. Mexican elderberry is famous for its beautiful, large flat-topped clusters of small, creamy-white flowers, which bloom in spring and are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The shrub’s flowers give way to small, dark purple to black berries that ripen in late summer to fall, which serve as a crucial and favorite food source for birds and other wildlife. The leaves of the Mexican elderberry are compound, opposite, and serrated, with a dark green color.

Mexican elderberry is well-suited to various habitats, including woodlands, riparian areas, and disturbed sites. Indigenous cultures use Mexican elderberry in traditional medicine for various medicinal purposes. Additionally, this plant has ornamental and ecological value in gardens and landscapes, providing habitat and food for wildlife. However, it’s crucial to note that some parts of the plant, particularly the unripe berries and leaves, can be toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities..

Elderberry plays an essential role as a wildlife plant, serving as a valuable resource for diverse wildlife. When you look closely at an Elderberry, you may see a hummingbird, butterfly, chipmunk, Jay, Thrasher, or another bird, as it is an excellent habitat for wildlife. Songbirds such as Wrentits and Thrashers find the berries particularly delectable. Additionally, the shrub provides essential nesting habitat for birds such as the Orange-crowned Warbler and Least Bell’s Vireo. Other animals, such as rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, and rats, feed on both the fruit and bark. Deer preferentially browse on the foliage of the elderberry shrub.