Origin
Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina (Dur. & Hilg.) Schwerin is a species of elderberry native to western North America, including parts of Canada and the United States.
Common Names
Common names for this plant include blue elderberry, Mexican elderberry, and danewort.
Uses
Historically, blue elderberry has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples. The bark, leaves, and berries have all been utilized to treat various ailments, such as respiratory issues, headaches, and fever. The berries can also be made into jams and jellies, and used in baking.
The flowers attract pollinators, making them a popular addition to native gardens and landscapes. Additionally, blue elderberry can be used for erosion control and soil stabilization.
General Appearance
Blue elderberry is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The leaves are compound, with 5-9 leaflets, and have a dull, bluish-green color. In the spring and summer, the plant produces clusters of small, fragrant, white or cream-colored flowers. These are followed by clusters of blue-black berries that can be up to half an inch in diameter.
The bark of the blue elderberry is grayish-brown and has corky ridges. The branches have a slightly velvety texture due to fine hairs.
Typical Growth Conditions for Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina (Dur. & Hilg.) Schwerin
Light: Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina requires a partially shaded environment for optimal growth. In the wild, it is commonly found growing alongside riparian zones, where it receives dappled sunlight through the forest canopy. In cultivation, placing the plant in a location that receives filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Direct sunlight can be detrimental to the plant's growth and may cause leaf scorching.
Temperature: This plant is native to western North America and generally prefers cool, moist climates. It can tolerate a wide temperature range and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. In warmer climates, providing some afternoon shade can help protect it from excessive heat. In colder regions, mulching the base of the plant in the winter can help protect it from frost heaving.
Soil Requirements: Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina prefers moist, well-draining soil and does not tolerate drought well. It can survive in a variety of soil types, ranging from sandy loam to clay, but prefers a soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Amending the soil with organic material such as leaf mold or compost can improve its fertility and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina is a shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It is primarily grown for its ornamental features, and it is suitable for planting in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10.
The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. However, the ideal soil pH range is between 6 and 7.5.
Propagation can be done through seed or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in a container with well-draining soil, and cuttings should be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood and placed in moist soil.
Watering Needs
The Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during periods of drought. The plant prefers moist soil but not waterlogged soil.
It is important to water the plant deeply, providing enough water to reach the root system. Shallow watering will not be effective, and the plant will become vulnerable to the weather conditions.
During the winter, reduce watering, as the plant is dormant and does not require as much water.
Fertilization
Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina benefits from an annual fertilizing regimen. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure. The application should be made in the early spring before the growing season begins.
Additionally, the plant requires a balanced fertilizer, with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 1 pound per inch of stem diameter and worked into the soil around the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina is necessary to keep the plant healthy and promote new growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, either in late fall or early spring.
When pruning, remove any diseased, damaged, or dead wood, cutting back to a healthy part of the stem. Additionally, remove any crossing branches or those that are growing toward the center of the plant.
Lastly, thin out older growth to make room for younger, healthier branches. This will promote growth and allow light to the plant's center, improving overall health.
Propagation of Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina (Dur. & Hilg.) Schwerin
Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina (Dur. & Hilg.) Schwerin, commonly known as blue elderberry, is a native plant of the western United States and Canada. It is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 3-12 feet (0.9-3.7 meters) and a width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters). The shrub produces clusters of small, fragrant, white or cream-colored flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of blue-black berries in the summer.
Propagation Methods
Sambucus cerulea can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings. Here are the different propagation methods:
Seeds
The seeds of Sambucus cerulea can be sown directly in the ground or in containers. Seeds that are sown in the ground should be planted in the fall or winter, while those that are sown in containers can be planted at any time. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4-1/2 inch (0.6-1.3 cm) and spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) apart. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, and the seedlings should be kept in a partially shaded area until they are established.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Sambucus cerulea. Softwood cuttings, taken from new growth in the spring or early summer, are the most successful. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and have 2-3 sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a partially shaded area until they develop roots, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Regardless of the propagation method used, Sambucus cerulea should be grown in a moist, well-draining soil and should be watered regularly until they are established. Once established, the shrub is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance.
Disease Management
Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina (Dur. & Hilg.) Schwerin, commonly known as blue elderberry, is vulnerable to a few diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant.
One of the most common diseases that affect blue elderberries is bacterial canker. This disease is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae and can be identified through the presence of sunken, reddish-brown lesions on the plant's bark. To manage bacterial canker, prune and dispose of infected areas and avoid pruning during wet weather. It is also recommended to keep the plant healthy by providing proper nutrition and irrigation.
Another common disease that affects blue elderberries is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts, improve airflow, and avoid overhead watering. Applying fungicides can also help to control the spread of powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Blue elderberries are vulnerable to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce its yield.
One of the most common pests that affect blue elderberries is the elderberry borer. These insects tunnel through the plant's bark, reducing the plant's ability to transport nutrients. To manage elderberry borers, prune and dispose of infected plant parts and consider using insecticides during the insect's active periods.
Another common pest that affects blue elderberries is the aphid. These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings and use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
Finally, spider mites can also be a problem for blue elderberries. These tiny arachnids feed on the plant's cells, causing discoloration, and damage. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant and use an insecticidal soap spray.
Overall, managing diseases and pests on Sambucus cerulea Raf. var. velutina (Dur. & Hilg.) Schwerin is critical to keeping the plant productive and healthy. Regular monitoring, proper cultural practices, and timely intervention can help to prevent and manage the most common diseases and pests that affect blue elderberries.
