Uses
Toxic parts
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the leaves and stems of some, if not all, members of this genus are poisonous[1][2]. The fruit of 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[3][2].
Edible uses
Notes
Fruit - cooked. It is used as a flavouring in soups etc[4]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters[5]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Leaves are used as a tea substitute[6][4]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Fruit
Unknown part
Material uses
A blue dye and an ink are obtained from the fruit[7][8][9][10].
The root juice is used to dye hair black[11]. The leaves are said to repel mice and moles[11][10].
Plants make a dense ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way[12]. They are best used in large areas, roadsides etc[12]. Our experience to date (1995) is that the plants spread vigorously but do not form a dense cover and so do not exclude other plants[K].Medicinal uses(Warning!)
The leaves are antiphlogistic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and laxative[11][13][1][7][14][15]. The fruit is also sometimes used, but it is less active than the leaves[11]. The herb is commonly used in the treatment of liver and kidney complaints[11]. When bruised and laid on boils and scalds, they have a healing effect[11]. They can be made into a poultice for treating swellings and contusions[11]. The leaves are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use[13].
The root is diaphoretic, mildly diuretic and a drastic purgative[11][13][1]. Dried, then powdered and made into a tea, it is considered to be one of the best remedies for dropsy[11][15]. It should only be used with expert supervision because it can cause nausea and vertigo[1].
A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh berries or the bark[1]. It is used in the treatment of dropsy[1].Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Ground cover
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
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[16][17][18]. 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.
Division of suckers in spring or autumn. Very easy.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Sambucus ebulus. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Tolerates most soils, including chalk[5], but prefers a moist loamy soil[19][5]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position[20]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations[5].
A very invasive plant, sending up new shoots a metre or more away[K]. It can be used for naturalising in the rougher parts of the garden[21], growing well on rough banks etc[20].
The whole plant, when bruised, emits a most unpleasant fur-like smell[22]. The bark, in particular, smells like stale perspiration[22].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Sambucus ebulus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Sambucus ebulus.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Sambucus ebulus
Genus
Sambucus
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Environment
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
References
- ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.6 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
- ? 2.02.1 Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
- ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
- ? 4.04.14.2 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
- ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? 6.06.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
- ? 7.07.17.27.3 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
- ? 8.08.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
- ? 9.09.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
- ? 10.010.110.2 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
- ? 11.0011.0111.0211.0311.0411.0511.0611.0711.0811.0911.10 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
- ? 12.012.112.2 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
- ? 13.013.113.213.3 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
- ? 14.014.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
- ? 15.015.115.2 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
- ? Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
- ? Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. ()
- ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
- ? Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
- ? 20.020.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
- ? 22.022.1 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
- ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
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