This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Sambucus nigra
  • Elderberry

a deciduous tree of the Sambucus genus in the family Caprifoliaceae.

Sambucus nigra fruit kpjas 26082005 1.jpg
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Heavy clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Sambucus nigra has 3 edible uses listed
Sambucus nigra has 7 material uses listed
Sambucus nigra has 14 medicinal uses listed

Botanical description

The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters[24].

Uses

Toxic parts

The leaves and stems are poisonous[25][26]. 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[27][26].

Edible uses

Flowers

Raw, Cooked as a Tea, Flavouring

The flowers and fruit are both edible raw or cooked[1][2][3][4].

The flowers are crisp and somewhat juicy, they have an aromatic smell and flavour and are delicious raw as a refreshing snack on a summers day[5].

Fruit

Raw, Cooked, Dried as a Jam, Preserves, Pie

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked[1][6][2][7][8]. According to some reports the flavour of the raw fruit is not acceptable to many tastes, though when cooked it makes delicious jams, preserves, pies and so forth[5]. It can be used fresh or dried, the dried fruit being less bitter[3][9][10].

Fruit, Flowers

Fermented as an Alcohol, Wine

The fruit and flowers are often used to make a sparkling wine[9].

Material uses

Plant

Compost

The plant is a valuable addition to the compost heap[11][12], its flowers are an alternative ingredient of 'QR' herbal compost activator[13] and the roots of the plant improve fermentation of the compost heap when growing nearby[12].

Fungicide

Effective against many insects, it also treats various fungal infections such as leaf rot and powdery mildew[17].

Flowers

Cosmetic

The flowers are used in skin lotions, oils and ointments[10].

Fruit, Bark, Leaves

Dye

A dye is obtained from the fruit and the bark[14][15]. The bark of older branches and the root have been used as an ingredient in dyeing black[16]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves when alum is used as a mordant[16]. The berries yield various shades of blue and purple dyes[16]. They have also been used as a hair dye, turning the hair black[16].

Leaves

Powdered as an Insecticide

The leaves are used as an insect repellent[16][18][11][19], very effective when rubbed on the skin though they do impart their own unique fragrance[K]. They can be powdered and placed amongst plants to act as a deterrent[11], or made into a spray when they act as an insecticide[20]. This is prepared by boiling 3 - 4 handfuls of leaves in a litre of water, then straining and allowing to cool before applying[17]. Effective against many insects, it also treats various fungal infections such as leaf rot and powdery mildew[17].The dried flowering shoots are used to repel insects, rodents etc[21].

Wood

Wood, Furniture, Musical instruments, Pipes, Toys

The pith in the stems of young branches pushes out easily and the hollow stems thus made have been used as pipes for blowing air into a fire[16]. They can also be made into musical instruments[16]. The pith of the wood is used for making microscope slides and also for treating burns and scalds[7][8][22]. The mature wood is white and fine-grained. It is easily cut and polishes well[16]. Valued highly by carpenters, it has many used, for making skewers, mathematical instruments, toys etc[16][14][22][23].

Fruit

Litmus

The blue colouring matter from the fruit can be used as a litmus to test if something is acid or alkaline. It turns green in an alkaline solution and red in an acid solution[16].

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Elder has a very long history of household use as a medicinal herb and is also much used by herbalists[16]. The plant has been called 'the medicine chest of country people'[16]. The flowers are the main part used in modern herbalism, though all parts of the plant have been used at times[10]. Stimulant[25][4][28]. The inner bark is collected from young trees in the autumn and is best sun-dried[16]. It is diuretic, a strong purgative and in large doses emetic[16][20]. It is used in the treatment of constipation and arthritic conditions[10]. An emollient ointment is made from the green inner bark[16]. The leaves can be used both fresh or dry. For drying, they are harvested in periods of fine weather during June and July. The leaves are purgative, but are more nauseous than the bark[16]. They are also diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and haemostatic[16][20]. The juice is said to be a good treatment for inflamed eyes[16]. An ointment made from the leaves is emollient and is used in the treatment of bruises, sprains, chilblains, wounds etc[16]. The fresh flowers are used in the distillation of 'Elder Flower Water'. The flowers can be preserved with salt to make them available for distillation later in the season[16]. The water is mildly astringent and a gentle stimulant. It is mainly used as a vehicle for eye and skin lotions[16]. The dried flowers are diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, galactogogue and pectoral[16][20]. An infusion is very effective in the treatment of chest complaints and is also used to bathe inflamed eyes[16]. The infusion is also a very good spring tonic and blood cleanser[16]. Externally, the flowers are used in poultices to ease pain and abate inflammation[16]. Used as an ointment, it treats chilblains, burns, wounds, scalds etc[16]. The fruit is depurative, weakly diaphoretic and gently laxative[16][20]. A tea made from the dried berries is said to be a good remedy for colic and diarrhoea[16]. The fruit is widely used for making wines, preserves etc., and these are said to retain the medicinal properties of the fruit[16]. The pith of young stems is used in treating burns and scalds[7][8][22]. The root is no longer used in herbal medicine but it formerly had a high reputation as an emetic and purgative that was very effective against dropsy[16]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh inner bark of young branches[16]. It relieves asthmatic symptoms and spurious croup in children[16].

Unknown part

Anti-inflammatory
Aperient
Diaphoretic
Diuretic
Emetic
Emollient
Expectorant
Galactogogue
Haemostatic
Laxative
Ophthalmic
Purgative
Salve
Stimulant

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

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[29][30][31]. 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[29]. 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[29]. Division of suckers in the dormant season.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Sambucus nigra. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

A very easily grown plant, it tolerates most soils and situations[32][33][30], growing well on chalk[33][30][34], but prefers a moist loamy soil[24]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but fruits better in a sunny position[35][24]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations[24]. Another report says that it is intolerant of very smoky atmospheres[34]. The elder is very occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties though most of these have been developed for their ornamental value[36]. The sub-species S. nigra alba has white/green fruits that are nicer than the type species and are quite nice raw[K]. The elder also has a very long history of folk use, both medicinally and for a wide range of other uses. All in all it is a very valuable plant to have in the garden. The leaves often begin to open as early as January and are fully open in April[34]. The leaves fall in October/November in exposed sites, later in sheltered positions[34]. Young stems can be killed by late frosts but they are soon replaced from the ground level[34]. Very tolerant of pruning, plants can be cut back to ground level and will regrow from the base[34]. The flowers have a sweet, almost overpowering smell, not exactly pleasant when inhaled near to for it has fishy undertones, but from a distance its musky scent is appealing[37]. Very resistant to the predations of rabbits[38][34]. The flowers are very attractive to insects[34]. The fruit is very attractive to birds[34] and this can draw them away from other cultivated fruits[11][34]. The elder is an early colonizer of derelict land, the seed arriving in the defecations of birds and mammals[34]. It is a very good pioneer species for re-establishing woodlands. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[24].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Sambucus nigra. 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 nigra.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Sambucus nigra
Genus
Sambucus
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][6][2][7][8][3][9][10][14][24][4][39]
Medicinal uses
[16][10][25][4][28][20][7][8][22]
Material uses & Functions
[11][12][13][16][18][19][20][17][21][10][40][41][14][15][7][8][22][23]
Botanic
[32][38][24]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
  • Flowers (Tea Flavouring)
  • Fruit (Jam Preserves Pie)
  • Fruit Flowers (Alcohol Wine)
Material uses
  • Plant (Compost)
  • Flowers (Cosmetic)
  • Fruit Bark Leaves (Dye)
  • Plant (Fungicide)
  • Leaves (Insecticide)
  • Wood (Wood Furniture Musical instruments Pipes Toys)
  • Fruit (Litmus)
Medicinal uses
  • Unknown part (Anti-inflammatory)
  • Unknown part (Aperient)
  • Unknown part (Diaphoretic)
  • Unknown part (Diuretic)
  • Unknown part (Emetic)
  • Unknown part (Emollient)
  • Unknown part (Expectorant)
  • Unknown part (Galactogogue)
  • Unknown part (Haemostatic)
  • Unknown part (Laxative)
  • Unknown part (Ophthalmic)
  • Unknown part (Purgative)
  • Unknown part (Salve)
  • Unknown part (Stimulant)
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
  • Maritime exposure
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
deciduous
Herbaceous or Woody
woody
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
vigorous
Mature Size
6 x 6
Fertility
?
Pollinators
?
Flower Colour
white, yellow
Flower Type
hermaphrodite











References

  1. ? 1.01.11.2 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972/01/01)
  2. ? 2.02.12.2 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974/01/01)
  3. ? 3.03.13.2 Loewenfeld. C. and Back. P. Britain's Wild Larder. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-7971-2 ()
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 De. Bray. L. The Wild Garden. ()
  5. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named KenPFAF
  6. ? 6.06.1 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972/01/01)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959/01/01)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.5 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974/01/01)
  9. ? 9.09.19.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990/01/01)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.510.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995/01/01)
  11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.4 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979/01/01)
  12. ? 12.012.112.2 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979/01/01)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Bruce. M. E. Commonsense Compost Making. Faber ISBN 0-571-09990-4 (1977/01/01)
  14. ? 14.014.114.214.3 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975/01/01)
  15. ? 15.015.1 Bryan. J. and Castle. C. Edible Ornamental Garden. Pitman Publishing ISBN 0-273-00098-5 (1976/01/01)
  16. ? 16.0016.0116.0216.0316.0416.0516.0616.0716.0816.0916.1016.1116.1216.1316.1416.1516.1616.1716.1816.1916.2016.2116.2216.2316.2416.2516.2616.2716.2816.2916.3016.3116.3216.33 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984/01/01)
  17. ? 17.017.117.217.3 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993/01/01)
  18. ? 18.018.1 Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana ISBN 0-00-635555-2 (1979/01/01)
  19. ? 19.019.1 Freethy. R. From Agar to Zenery. The Crowood Press ISBN 0-946284-51-2 (1985/01/01)
  20. ? 20.020.120.220.320.420.520.6 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984/01/01)
  21. ? 21.021.1 Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences (1978/01/01)
  22. ? 22.022.122.222.322.4 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969/01/01)
  23. ? 23.023.1 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990/01/01)
  24. ? 24.024.124.224.324.424.524.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992/01/01)
  25. ? 25.025.125.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981/01/01)
  26. ? 26.026.1 Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984/01/01)
  27. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984/01/01)
  28. ? 28.028.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  29. ? 29.029.129.2 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948/01/01)
  30. ? 30.030.130.2 Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. ()
  31. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987/01/01)
  32. ? 32.032.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981/01/01)
  33. ? 33.033.1 Knight. F. P. Plants for Shade. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0-900629-78-9 (1980/01/01)
  34. ? 34.0034.0134.0234.0334.0434.0534.0634.0734.0834.0934.10 Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold (1979/01/01)
  35. ? Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878/01/01)
  36. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992/01/01)
  37. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994/01/01)
  38. ? 38.038.1 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962/01/01)
  39. ? Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983/01/01)
  40. ? Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0900629649 (1974/01/01)
  41. ? Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1984/01/01)



Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Sambucus_nigra&oldid=73907"