Blue Elderberry Seeds (Sambucus cerulea)
Blue Elderberry Seeds (Sambucus cerulea)
Mountain medicine. Powder-blue and pollinator-loved.
Sambucus cerulea, the Blue Elderberry, is a vigorous native shrub or small tree prized for its creamy flower clusters and distinctive powder-blue berries. Native across the western U.S., it thrives in tough conditions while providing food, habitat, and traditional medicinal value—ideal for hedgerows, restoration projects, and edible landscapes.
Why Choose Blue Elderberry?
- Native to western North America and the Pacific Northwest
- Flat-topped 4–6" white flower clusters attract bees and butterflies
- Powder-blue berries (must be cooked) used in syrups, jellies, pies, and wine
- Decoction of leaves repels caterpillars; dried flower stems ward off insects and rodents
- Tolerates drought, wind, pollution, and poor soils once established
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Sambucus cerulea
- Germination Rate: 67%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Kentucky
- Stratification: 90–120 days cold stratification required
- USDA Zones: 4–9 (hardy to Zone 5)
- Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy, rocky, or clay soils
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 10–30 ft tall × 10–20 ft wide (can reach ~3 m)
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, 40, or 100 seeds
FAQ
Do Blue Elderberry seeds need stratification?
Yes. Cold, moist stratify for 90–120 days for reliable germination.
Can the berries be eaten raw?
No. Always cook elderberries before consumption. Cooked fruit is used for jelly, syrups, pies, and wine.
Is this good for wildlife?
Absolutely—pollinators visit the flowers, and birds rely on the berries for seasonal nutrition.
Related Seeds
- American Black Elderberry Seeds (Sambucus canadensis)
- American Plum Tree Seeds (Prunus americana)
- American Hazelnut Seeds (Corylus americana)
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for resilient, high-germination seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with detailed planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
Total items
Product subtotal