This page provides guidance for maintaining and protecting elderberry shrubs at UC Davis. These shrubs provide important habitat for the federally threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB), which depends on elderberry for its survival. Elderberry grow in many locations across campus, including open fields, along fences, and among trees and other vegetation. Staff may encounter these shrubs during routine vegetation management, maintenance activities, and construction projects. Understanding how to work around them helps protect this species while supporting campus operations.
The guidance below summarizes key requirements and explains when coordination with Campus and Environmental Planning is required. If you are unsure whether a shrub is elderberry or whether your planned work is allowed, contact Campus and Environmental Planning before proceeding.
For easy reference in the field, download and print the elderberry maintenance guide to keep in a work vehicle or on a clipboard. Questions about a particular shrub, work site, or maintenance activity? Contact Campus and Environmental Planning for guidance (contact info located below). We also welcome feedback on this resource.
Why does elderberry matter?
The valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB) is a federally threatened species protected under the Endangered Species Act. Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) is the beetle’s only known larval host plant. Because VELB develops inside elderberry stems, damage or removal of established elderberry shrubs can affect the species.
What should maintenance staff do?
Prevent New Elderberry Establishment
To minimize future maintenance constraints and potential conflicts with construction and infrastructure, elderberry shrubs should not be allowed to become established in developed areas of campus outside designated teaching, research, and open-space lands.
If you encounter an elderberry seedling or small shrub with stems less than 1 inch in diameter at the base, remove it as part of routine maintenance by:
- Hand-pulling the plant, including the root, when feasible;
- Cutting the plant and removing the root system; or
- Applying herbicide (licensed or certified applicators only).
If you encounter an elderberry shrub with any stem 1 inch or greater in diameter at the base, and the shrub is interfering with maintenance activities, utilities, access, or other campus operations, do not remove or substantially prune the shrub without approval by Campus and Environmental Planning. See "What if removal is necessary" section below.
Maintain Existing Mature Elderberry Shrubs
Before Pruning
If pruning is necessary, inspect the shrub and determine the diameter of the stem or branch at its base.
Stems Less Than 1 Inch in Diameter
- Small stems and branches less than 1 inch in diameter may generally be pruned as part of routine maintenance.
- Conduct pruning between November and February whenever feasible.
- Avoid damaging the shrub's root zone and stems during maintenance activities.
- Do not apply herbicides within the shrub's drip line.
- Avoid applying insecticides within 30 meters (98 feet) of elderberry shrubs.
Stems 1 Inch in Diameter or Greater
Do not cut, remove, or damage stems or branches 1 inch or greater in diameter without approval by Campus and Environmental Planning. See "What if removal is necessary" section below.
Elderberry Shrub Maintenance Guide
Learn how to care for elderberry shrubs with our downloadable guide. Save the PDF for easy reference or share it with others interested in approved elderberry maintenance.
Contact Us
For elderberry identification, maintenance guidance, or project coordination:
Heather Davis
Director of Campus and Environmental Planning
[email protected]
(530) 759-3766
Alex Tremblay
Environmental Planner
[email protected]
(530) 312-6902
Emily Hyland
Environmental Planner
[email protected]
(530) 759-3928
What if removal is necessary?
Do not remove an established elderberry shrub or prune stems or branches 1 inch or greater in diameter without prior coordination with Campus and Environmental Planning.
Campus and Environmental Planning will review the proposed activity to determine whether additional biological evaluation, documentation, agency coordination, or other environmental review is appropriate based on the location, habitat setting, and scope of work. Approval by Campus and Environmental Planning is required prior to removing mature elderberry shrubs.
If removal cannot be avoided, Campus and Environmental Planning will evaluate available options, which may include avoidance measures, transplanting options, or other measures consistent with applicable U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidance.
Construction Activities Near Elderberry
For construction, excavation, utility work, or other ground-disturbing activities near elderberry shrubs, contact Campus and Environmental Planning during project planning and before work begins.
Whenever feasible, projects should avoid elderberry shrubs and incorporate measures to protect shrubs from construction-related impacts. The level of review will depend on the location of the shrub, the proposed activity, and the potential for impacts to elderberry habitat.
WHEN IN DOUBT, STOP AND ASK BEFORE YOU CUT.
For help identifying elderberry shrubs, contact Campus and Environmental Planning.
Contact Campus and Environmental Planning when:
- Removal of an established elderberry shrub is proposed.
- Pruning requires removal of stems or branches 1 inch or greater in diameter.
- An elderberry shrub interferes with construction, utilities, access, infrastructure, or other campus operations.
- An elderberry shrub appears hazardous, structurally unstable, dead, or declining and may require substantial pruning or removal.
- Ground-disturbing activities are proposed adjacent to or within the drip line of an elderberry shrub.