blue elderberry, Mexican elderberry
Our native blue elderberry, often seen on banks above rivers and streams, or even on somewhat drier slopes. A fast growing deciduous shrub or small tree 8 to 25 ft. tall with pinnately divided leaves. Creamy yellow flowers appear in late spring in flat-topped clusters, followed by blue berries. High on the birds’ favorite list! Ripe berries feed many species of birds. Moderate to infrequent summer water.