Sambucus callicarpa
Red Coast Elder
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Sambucus genus in the family Caprifoliaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Genus
- Sambucus
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 3 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the leaves and stems of some members of this genus are poisonous[13][10]. The fruit of many species (although no records have been seen for this species) has been known to cause stomach upsets to some people. Any toxin the fruit might contain is liable to be of very low toxicity and is destroyed when the fruit is cooked[9][10].
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[8][2][7]. The fruit can be made into jams and preserves[7]. It can also be dried for winter use[5]. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters[6]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity. Flowers - raw or cooked.
- Plant part
- Flowers
- Plant part
- Fruit
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The leaves are abortifacient, analgesic, oxytocic and poultice[7]. A decoction of the leaves has been used to terminate a pregnancy and can also be taken during labour to ease the birth[7]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as an antiseptic wash on areas affected by blood poisoning[7]. A poultice of the pounded leaves has been applied to abscess and boils and also to sore joints to help reduce the swelling[7]. A poultice of the cooked shoots has been used to alleviate pain[7]. The bark is cathartic[7]. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds[7]. A poultice of the bark has been applied to sore joints to help reduce the swelling[7]. The fruit has been cooked and eaten as a treatment for stomach problems[7].
- Product or use
- Abortifacient
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Antiphlogistic
- Product or use
- Antiseptic
- Product or use
- Cathartic
- Product or use
- Oxytoxic
- Product or use
- Poultice
Environment
- Range
- Western N. America - Alaska to California.
- Habitat
- River banks in low moist soils from sea-level to 2400 metres[12].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerances
- high wind
- Wind
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, when it should germinate in early spring. Stored seed can be sown in the spring in a cold frame but will probably germinate better if it is given 2 months warm followed by 2 months cold stratification first[11][14][4]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If good growth is made, the young plants can be placed in their permanent positions during the early summer. Otherwise, either put them in a sheltered nursery bed, or keep them in their pots in a sheltered position and plant them out in spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[11]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth 15 - 20cm with a heel, late autumn in a frame or a sheltered outdoor bed[11].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Tolerates most soils, including chalk[6], but prefers a moist loamy soil[3][6]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position[1]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations[6]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[6].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
Gunther. E. Ethnobotany of Western Washington. University of Washington Press 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-295-95258-X
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394
Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984-00-00 ISBN 0112425291
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00
Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. 1965-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20278-X
Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2
Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.