Sambucus canadensis

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Sambucus canadensis
Also known as: American Elder

Plant Properties

Layer: Fruit tree, Shrub
Format: Smal
Height: 4.00 m
Width: 4.00 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-9
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Flowers, Fruit, Tea
Edibility:
(4)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
Dye, Fungicide, Insecticide, Repellent, Fragrant

Description

Fruits: can be eaten raw or cooked and have a bittersweet flavor. They are about 5 mm in size and grow in large clusters. The fruits are most delicious when dried. Raw fruits have a strong taste, while cooked fruits are often used in pies, jams, jellies, sauces, bread, and so on. They are rich in vitamin C. Flowers: can be eaten both raw and cooked. They are often covered in batter and fried into fritters. Unopened flowers can be picked and preserved. The result can be used as a sweetener in sweet dishes or soaked in water for a drink. Dried flowers can be used to make tea. Young shoots: can be eaten by cooking them and taste similar to asparagus. It is important to be cautious with this plant, as some parts of it can be poisonous.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/08
End of Harvest: 30/09

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild Description
Broussonetia papyrifera
Paper Mulberry
Provides shade and reduces competition for sunlight, while also attracting beneficial insects with its flowers.
Corylus avellana
Hazel
Helps provide a habitat for wildlife and improves soil structure through its root system.
Diospyros virginiana
American Persimmon
Offers additional food sources, helping to attract pollinators and beneficial fauna to the area.
Vaccinium myrtilloides
Sourtop Blueberry, Velvetleaf huckleberry
Provides shelter, improves soil health, and helps in moisture retention.
Viburnum opulus
Highbush cranberry
Attracts pollinators and can be used as a windbreak, enhancing overall biodiversity.
Halesia carolina
Silver-bell tree
Adds aesthetic value and attracts beneficial insects with its beautiful flowers.
Potentilla anserina
Silverweed
Helps in ground cover, reducing soil erosion and enhancing moisture retention.