The elderberry shrub is the host plant for the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle, an insect species federally listed as threatened and protected by the Endangered Species Act. This beetle is native to California’s Central Valley, but habitat loss has led to a dramatic decline in its population.
Placer Land Trust recently transplanted eight elderberry shrubs to Weygandt Doty Ravine Preserve to help restore habitat for this rare insect. The shrubs were moved from a nearby area slated for development, and would have otherwise been bulldozed to make way for new housing.
Elderberry plants like moist soil and often grow along riparian areas. We planted the shrubs in six shallow depressions, which allows the water to temporarily pool and imitates their preferred habitat. This project also included funding for a very cool irrigation system with a solar pump and remote timer, enabling us to water the shrubs twice a week without having to make extra trips out to the preserve.
Irrigation and regular monitoring will continue for two years as the shrubs get established. Check back in a few months for a progress update as they start to grow… and to see if the elderberry longhorn beetles show up!
