How big does a Mexican elder tree get?
David Jones
Published May 28, 2026
How big does a Mexican elder tree get?
A native from California. A rampant, fast growing, wild looking shrub or multi-stemmed tree. Transplants well, does best in moist soils but will tolerate dry as well. Foliage leafs out in late winter and is a bright green. Leaflets 3 to 5, mostly elliptic, ovate, or obovate, 1 3/4″ to 2 1/2″ long, 1 1/2″ broad.
Is it bad to cut down Mexican elder tree?
Black plastic around the roots is bad too. The roots will form too close to the surface and raise the soil levels. Take away the low hanging branches because those could snap easily in wind. It’s a great tree to use in the southern part of New Mexico.
When do the leaves on a Mexican elder tree turn purple?
Foliage leafs out in late winter and is a bright green. Leaflets 3 to 5, mostly elliptic, ovate, or obovate, 1 3/4″ to 2 1/2″ long, 1 1/2″ broad. Most start their dormant phase in late summer. Creamy white flowers appear in spring. Produces purple-black berries which are quite popular with birds and can be used in pies and wine.
How often should you water a Mexican elder tree?
Mexican Elder trees or Sambacus Mexicana Is a good small ornamental shade tree. Once established they are somewhat drought tolerant. It is best to water almost daily for the first 3 years after initial planting. Try deep watering at least once per week during the hottest part of the summer season.
Where does the Mexican elder tree come from?
It could have limb breakage. It’s native to northern Mexico and southern California and is found in New Mexico. The sprouts on the tree need to be broken off the sides of the tree otherwise they are taking energy away from the rest of the tree.
Foliage leafs out in late winter and is a bright green. Leaflets 3 to 5, mostly elliptic, ovate, or obovate, 1 3/4″ to 2 1/2″ long, 1 1/2″ broad. Most start their dormant phase in late summer. Creamy white flowers appear in spring. Produces purple-black berries which are quite popular with birds and can be used in pies and wine.
Black plastic around the roots is bad too. The roots will form too close to the surface and raise the soil levels. Take away the low hanging branches because those could snap easily in wind. It’s a great tree to use in the southern part of New Mexico.
Mexican Elder trees or Sambacus Mexicana Is a good small ornamental shade tree. Once established they are somewhat drought tolerant. It is best to water almost daily for the first 3 years after initial planting. Try deep watering at least once per week during the hottest part of the summer season.