Mexican elder (Sambucus mexicana) is a common tree/shrub in yards and landscaping around Las Cruces. Its leaves are compound with five to seven leaflets.

Mexican Elderberry (Photo by Emmy Ulmschneider) But humans are not the only ones who appreciate this small tree. In the wild, Mexican elderberry, and elderberries in general, are found commonly in ...

Mexican elder is adapted to USDA zones 6 through 10, the region from western Texas to southern California and Mexico. Trees are drought tolerant once established.

Mexican elder doesn’t tolerate high temperatures very well, but it can recover a bit later in fall. There is only one generation per year in our lower elevations.

Elderberry, a medicinal shrub thriving in the cooler regions of tropical Mesoamerica, including Costa Rica, holds a prominent place in traditional herbal medicine. Found along streams, marshy areas, ...