Botanical Name: Sambucus mexicana
Common Name: Elderberry Type of Plant: dicot: shrub/tree Character deciduous Habit of Growth: Overall Shape a multi-trunked, many-branched plant, with ascending and spreading branches forming a full rounded canopy; outermost branches tend to be somewhat pendulous; plant undergoes late summer dormancy in dry locations Height 8' - 15' (25') Spread equal Growth Rate rapid Environment: Exposure outdoors full or partial sun Soil tolerates most; prefers well-draining clay Hardiness hardy (zones 14-24): thrives in warm coastal foothill areas Morphology: Leaves odd-pinnately compound, opposite, 8"-12" long; leaflets ovate to oblong-lanceolate, mostly 3-5, 2"-5" long, bright green; margins finely serrated Flowers pale yellow, 5-petaled, tiny (1/4" diameter), in rather flattened, mostly terminal cymes, 3"-6" across; May - September Fruit a berry; blue-black, 1/4" across; edible Propagation: seed Usage: a large accent shrub or small tree used for its profuse flower display; large informal background mass; slope plantings, erosion control; blooms and retains foliage longer with supplemental watering Landscape Care: Watering an occasional deep soak; tolerates regular watering with good drainage; becomes drought resistant after established Fertilizing little required after established Pruning as a tree, head high when young and develop the primary framework; thin out in early spring and head back for fuller form Pests/Diseases relatively free Special Conditions/Other Origin: foothill woodland areas of Central and Southern California Family: Caprifoliaceae Notes: |
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