Sambucus sp.
Elderberry, Elderberry
Family: Viburnaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Sambucus sp. (Elderberry) is a native California shrub in the Viburnaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Fraxinus: Flowers in showy flat-topped clusters vs. ash's inconspicuous wind-pollinated flowers appearing before leaves.; vs Aralia: Leaflets arranged simply along one stalk vs. Aralia's twice-compound leaves with leaflets branching off branches.; vs Ligustrum: Compound leaves with multiple leaflets vs. privet's simple, undivided leaves.; vs Heteromeles: Leaflets toothed all around vs. toyon's simple leaves with teeth only on outer half.; vs Rosa: Leaflets without stipules at base vs. rose's paired stipules flanking each leaf stem.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sambucus sp. native to California?
Yes. Sambucus sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Sambucus sp. belong to?
Sambucus sp. is in the Viburnaceae family, genus Sambucus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.