General description
Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr., commonly known as the blue elderberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to western North America and can be found from British Columbia to southern California and eastward to Montana, Idaho, and Arizona.
Appearance
The blue elderberry can reach heights of up to 10 meters, but it typically grows to be 3-6 meters tall. The shrub has multiple stems, which grow from underground rhizomes, and it has pinnately compound leaves that can reach up to 30 cm long. The leaves are composed of five to nine leaflets that are generally oval in shape, have serrated edges, and are a medium shade of green. The shrub produces small clusters of white flowers that are about 10 cm in diameter from May to July, which are followed by clusters of blue-black berries that are similar in appearance to blueberries. These berries are about 6-10 mm in diameter.
Uses
The blue elderberry has a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. The flowers and berries can be used to make syrup, wine, jam, and tea. The berries are high in antioxidants and have been used to treat cold and flu symptoms for centuries. The bark, leaves, and flowers have been used as a diuretic and to treat headaches, rheumatism, and other ailments. The wood of the shrub is often used for making musical instruments and charcoal. Additionally, the blue elderberry is an important food source for many animals, including birds and mammals.
Growth Conditions for Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr.
Light: Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. requires full to partial sunlight exposure to grow. It is important to provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant may grow in partial shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruits in such conditions.
Temperature: The plant grows well in warm to hot environments with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C). The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 77°F and 86°F (25°C to 30°C). This range is especially important during the flowering and fruiting period.
Soil Requirements: Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. prefers well-drained soils with good organic content. The plant grows well in soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging between 6 and 7.5. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, the plant may struggle in soils that are poorly drained or lack organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. originates from North America and is best grown in medium to wet, well-drained soils. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils and prefers full to partial sunlight. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or layering. For optimal growth, ensure a spacing distance of 2-3 meters between each plant.
Watering Needs
Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. requires moderate watering and is highly drought tolerant. The plant should be watered once per week, allowing the soil to dry out partially between watering sessions. Ensure that there are proper drainage and moisture retention mechanisms within the soil to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. should be done in the early spring before blooming occurs. The plant thrives in nutrient-rich soil, therefore, the application of compost, aged manure or a balanced commercial fertilizer (10-10-10) is recommended. Follow the instructions on the package for appropriate dosage.
Pruning
Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. requires minimal pruning but does benefit from it to maintain a healthy and attractive shape. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth occurs. Remove all diseased, damaged, and dead wood, cutting back to a healthy shoot or lateral branch. Cut back any weak, spindly branches to promote growth and bushiness.
Propagation of Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr.
Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. plant can be propagated through several methods. Some of the commonly used propagation methods are discussed below:
1. Seeds:
The plant can be propagated through its seeds. Collect ripe berries from the plant and extract the seeds. Clean the seeds thoroughly and sow them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, and the seedlings will emerge within 2-3 weeks. Transplant the seedlings to individual pots once they have two sets of true leaves.
2. Cuttings:
The plant can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy, disease-free stems in the summer months. Cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and should have a few leaves on them. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, and the cuttings will develop roots within 2-3 weeks. Transplant the cuttings to individual pots once they have developed a good root system.
3. Division:
The plant can be propagated by division during the dormant season. Dig out the plant and divide the crown into several sections. Each section should have some healthy roots and stems. Plant each division in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. The divisions will establish quickly and produce new growth in the growing season.
Disease Management
Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but there are a few diseases that might affect it. These include:
- Leaf Spot: This is caused by the fungus Entomosporium mespili, and it affects the leaves of the plant. It can cause yellowing and brown spots on the leaves, and in severe cases, the leaves might fall off. To manage this disease, practice good sanitation by removing infected leaves and debris from around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Powdery Mildew: This is caused by the fungus Podosphaera leucotricha, and it affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It presents as a white powdery substance on the leaves that can cause them to curl and turn yellow. To manage this disease, prune affected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Verticillium Wilt: This is caused by the fungus Verticillium spp., and it affects the foliage and stems of the plant. It can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow or brown. The disease can be managed by removing infected plants and maintaining proper soil moisture to prevent stress on the remaining plants.
Pest Management
There are several pests that might affect Sambucus mexicana K. Presl ex DC. ssp. cerulea (Raf.) E. Murr. These include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to curl and turn yellow. They can be controlled using insecticides or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
- Caterpillars: These insects can eat the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. They can be controlled using insecticides or by introducing natural predators like birds or parasitic wasps.
- Scale Insects: These insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck the sap, causing yellowing and wilting. They can be controlled using insecticides or by pruning the affected parts of the plant.
