Sambucus canadensis
American Elder
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Sambucus canadensis.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Flowers, Fruit, Tea
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.