Menu list goes here

Herbal Database Search Results


     Back to: Pathways  Main Search Page  For Metaphysical uses visit The Witchs Haven

Sambucus canadensis

Common name: American Elder Family: Caprifoliaceae
Author: L. Botanical references: 11, 43, 200
Synonyms:  
Known Hazards: The leaves and stems of this species are poisonous[9, 76]. The fruit has been known to cause stomach upsets to some people[65, 76]. The unripe fruit contains a toxic alkaloid and cyanogenic glycosides[274]. Any toxin the fruit might contain is liable to be of very low toxicity and is destroyed when the fruit is cooked[65, 76].
Range: Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas.
Habitat: Rich moist soils along streams and rivers, woodland margins and waste ground[229].
Edibility Rating (1-5): 4Medicinal Rating (1-5):3

Other Possible Synonyms:From various places across the web, may not be correct. See below.
S. canadensis var. laciniata[B,P] S. canadensis var. submollis[B,P] S. cerulea var. mexicana[B,P] S. mexicana[B,C,P] S. nigra ssp. canadensis[B,CPHOTO,CAL,CAL,P] S. orbiculata[B,P] S. simpsonii[B,P]
Other Common Names:From various places around the Web, may not be correct. See below.
American Elder [H,S,E], American Elderberry [DEN1], Amerikaanse Vlier [D], Amerikan Murveri [E], Common Elder [L], Elder [E], Elder, American [S], Elderberry [E],
Epithets:From a Dictionary of Botanical Epithets
canadensis = northeastern America cana = grayed due to hairs
Systematics:From a USDA Plants Database
Order: Dipsacales. Honeysuckle family
Other Range Info: From the Ethnobotany Database
Turkey Us Us(Amerindian) Us(Appalachia) Us(Colonial) Us(Penobscot) Usa

Physical Characteristics

A decidious shrub growing to 4m by 4m at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 3. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. We rate it 4/5 for edibility and 3/5 for medicinal use.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Habitats and Possible Locations

Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.

Cultivar 'Adams': Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.
Cultivar 'Ebony King': Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.
Cultivar 'Kent': Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.
Cultivar 'Nova': Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.
Cultivar 'Scotia': Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.
Cultivar 'Tarheel': Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.
Cultivar 'York': Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade, Shady Edge.

Edible Uses

Flowers Fruit Leaves Tea.

Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 3, 55, 85, 257]. A bittersweet flavour, the fruits are about 5mm in diameter and are borne in large clusters[200, 227]. They are at their best after being dried[62], the fresh raw fruit has a rather rank taste[101]. The fruit is normally cooked and used in pies, jams, jellies, sauces, bread etc[62, 159, 183]. Rich in vitamin C[183]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.
Flowers - raw or cooked. They are often covered in batter and made into fritters[105]. The flowers can be picked when unopened, pickled and then used as a flavouring in candies etc[149, 227]. They can also be soaked in water to make a drink[149].
A pleasant tasting tea is made from the dried flowers[21, 159, 183, 257].
Young shoots are said to be edible when cooked and to be used as an asparagus substitute[55, 105] though, since the leaves are also said to be poisonous, this report should be viewed with some doubt.

Medicinal Uses

Disclaimer

Antiinflammatory Aperient Birthing aid Diaphoretic Diuretic Emetic Expectorant Laxative Purgative Stimulant.

American elder was widely employed as a medicinal herb by many native North American tribes who used it to treat a wide range of complaints[257]. It is still commonly used as a domestic remedy.
A tea made from the inner bark and root bark is diuretic, emetic and a strong laxative[222, 257]. A tea made from the root bark is used to promote labour in childbirth and in treating headaches, kidney problems and mucous congestion[21, 257]. The inner bark is also applied as a poultice to cuts, sore or swollen limbs etc in order to relieve pain and swelling[222, 257].
A poultice of the leaves is applied to bruises and to cuts in order to stop the bleeding[222].
An infusion of the leaf buds is strongly purgative[21].
Elder flowers are stimulant, diaphoretic and diuretic[213, 257]. A warm tea of the flowers is stimulant and induces sweating, taken cold it is diuretic[21]. It is used in the treatment of fevers and infant colic[257]. An infusion of the leaves and flowers is used as an antiseptic wash for skin problems, wounds etc[21].
The fresh juice of the fruit, evaporated into a syrup, is laxative. It also makes a good ointment for treating burns when mixed with an oily base[21]. The dried fruit can be made into a tea that is useful in the treatment of cholera and diarrhoea[21].
Some caution should be exercised if using any part of the plant fresh since it can cause poisoning[21].

Other Uses

Compost Dye Fungicide Insecticide Musical Repellent Straw.

The leaves and inner bark of young shoots are used as an insect repellent[6, 101, 149, 159, 257], the dried flowering shoots are said to repel insects and rodents[101]. A decoction of the leaves can be used as an insecticide[201]. It is prepared by boiling 3 - 4 handfuls of leaves in a litre of water, then straining and allowing to cool before applying. Effective against many insects, it also treats various fungal infections such as leaf rot and powdery mildew[201].
A black dye is obtained from the bark[149].
When grown near a compost heap, the root activity of this plant encourages fermentation in the compost heap[18].
The stems can be easily hollowed out to be used as drains in tapping the sap from trees such as the Sugar Maples (Acer spp). the stems can also be used as whistles and flutes[149, 159].

Cultivation details

Tolerates most soils, including chalk[200], but prefers a moist loamy soil[11, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position[1]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations[200].
A very hardy plant, when dormant it tolerates temperatures down to about -34° c[200].
The flowers have a muscatel smell[245].
A fast-growing but short-lived plant[229], it often forms thickets by means of root suckers[200]. It is occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are several named varieties[183], though these have mainly been developed for their ornamental value[182]. Yields of up to 7kg of fruit per tree have been recorded[160].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

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[78, 98, 113]. 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[78].
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[78].
Division of suckers in the dormant season.

Scent

Flowers: Fresh
The flowers have a muscatel smell[245].

Cultivars

'Aurea'
A very ornamental cultivar with very striking golden leaves[200]. The red fruit has a sweet flavour[200].
'York'
The large berries are produced in heavy clusters[183]. The fruit is larger than in any other cultivar, it averages only about 9.9% soluble solids, about 3% less than other cultivars[183]. A very large plant, it is more productive than the cultivar 'Adams'[183].
'Victoria'
The fruit is large and of good quality, very similar to the cultivar 'Adams' but ripening 3 - 6 days earlier[183]. A moderately vigorous, productive plant, it is easily propagated by dormant cuttings[183].
'Tarheel'
The berries have a flavour that is subtle and delicate, yet tangy[183]. A very vigorous tree, it can produce new growth up to 1.8 metres long in its first year and will often fill with berries in its first season - these ripen as late as October in the colder areas of its range[183].
'Scotia'
The large fruit matures early and uniformly in the cluster, it is sweeter than the cultivars 'Victoria' and 'Kent', which it otherwise resembles[183]. The plant suckers freely and is readily propagated by cuttings of one-year old canes[183].
'Nova'
The large fruit matures early and uniformly in the cluster, it is sweeter than the cultivars 'Victoria' and 'Kent', which it otherwise resembles[183]. The plant suckers freely and is readily propagated by cuttings of one-year old canes[183].
'Kent'
Fruit size and quality are equal to the cultivar 'Adams', but it ripens 7 - 10 days earlier[183]. A vigorous productive plant, it is an open-pollinated seedling of 'Adams'[183].
'Johns'
The fruit clusters and berries are large and ripen earlier than the cultivar 'Adams'[183]. An extremely vigorous plant, it is only partially self-fertile and so needs a pollinator[183].
'Hidden Springs'
The fruit ripens evenly in clusters, making it much easier to sort[183].
'Ebony King'
The waxy black fruit has a high quality crimson juice with a delicate flavour and aroma[183]. It is excellent for wines, jellies and pies[183]. A very productive tree, it can average 11 kilos of fruit annually[183]. Usually evergreen, retaining its leaves even when temperatures drop to -10° c[183].
'Adams' 'Adams #1' 'Adams #2'
The fruit clusters and berries are exceptionally large[183]. A vigorous productive plant, it is only partially self-fertile and so needs a pollinator[183].

Suppliers

For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look.

PFAF Web Pages

This plant is mentioned in the following web pages

Web References

References for Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (a possible synonym). References for sambucus canadensis (a possible synonym).

References for the family Caprifoliaceae.

See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources.

Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images.

References

[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references.

[3] Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7
A very readable book with information on about 100 species that can be grown in Britain (some in greenhouses) and details on how to grow and use them.

[6] Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana 1979 ISBN 0-00-635555-2
Details on some of the useful wild plants of Britain. Poor on pictures but otherwise very good.

[9] Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981 ISBN 0-600-37216-2
Covers plants in Europe. a drawing of each plant, quite a bit of interesting information.

[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.

[18] Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins 1979
Details of beneficial and antagonistic relationships between neighbouring plants.

[21] Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983 ISBN 0-553-23827-2
Lots of information tightly crammed into a fairly small book.

[43] Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950
A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.

[55] Harris. B. C. Eat the Weeds. Pivot Health 1973
Interesting reading.

[62] Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold 1982 ISBN 0442222009
Very readable.

[65] Frohne. D. and Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984 ISBN 0723408394
Brilliant. Goes into technical details but in a very readable way. The best work on the subject that I've come across so far.

[76] Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984 ISBN 0112425291
Concentrates mainly on the effects of poisonous plants to livestock.

[78] Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948
A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.

[85] Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press 1967 ISBN 0-8623-0343-9
A superb book. Very readable, it gives the results of the authors experiments with native edible plants.

[98] Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.
Very comprehensive guide to growing trees and shrubs from seed. Not for the casual reader.

[101] Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences 1978
A very readable guide to some wild foods of Canada.

[105] Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976
The most comprehensive guide to edible plants I've come across. Only the briefest entry for each species, though, and some of the entries are more than a little dubious. Not for the casual reader.

[113] Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009
A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader.

[149] Vines. R. A. Trees of Central Texas. University of Texas Press 1987 ISBN 0-292-78958-3
Fairly readable, it gives details of habitats and some of the uses of trees growing in Texas.

[159] McPherson. A. and S. Wild Food Plants of Indiana. Indiana University Press 1977 ISBN 0-253-28925-4
A nice pocket guide to this region of America.

[160] Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987.
Fascinating reading, this is an annual publication. Some reports do seem somewhat exaggerated though.

[182] Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Contains a wide range of plants with a brief description, mainly of their ornamental value but also usually of cultivation details and varieties.

[183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[201] Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. 1993 ISBN 0-304-34324-2
A well produced and very readable book.

[213] Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980 ISBN 0-449-90589-6
A nice book to read though it is difficult to look up individual plants since the book is divided into separate sections dealing with the different medicinal uses plus a section on edible plants. Common names are used instead of botanical.

[222] Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990 ISBN 0395467225
A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.

[227] Vines. R.A. Trees of North Texas University of Texas Press. 1982 ISBN 0292780206
A readable guide to the area, it contains descriptions of the plants and their habitats with quite a bit of information on plant uses.

[229] Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 1980 ISBN 0442238622
A very good concise guide. Gives habitats, good descriptions, maps showing distribution and a few of the uses. It also includes the many shrubs that occasionally reach tree proportions.

[245] Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.

[257] Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.

Readers Comments

  Main Search Page  Help  Bibliography

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future - Species Database. Copyright (c) 1997-2003.
WEB search engine by Rich Morris - Home Page- Contact Info
  Blagdon Cross, Ashwater, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5DF, UK.
Website: www.pfaf.org Phone: 0845 458 4719/_44(0) 1208 872963

This page (UK) http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Sambucus+canadensis
This page (US) http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Sambucus+canadensis

Creative Commons License Atribution Non commercial Share alike This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
(You can copy, distribute, display this works but: Attribution is required, its for Non-Commercial purposes, and it's Share Alike (GNUish/copyleft) i.e. has an identical license.)
We also ask that you let us know (michael@thewitchshaven.com) if you link to, redistribute, make a derived work or do anything groovy with this information.

Pathways Home  ::  View Cart  ::  Shipping & Returns  ::  Contact Us  ::  Privacy Policy   ::  Philosophy  ::   The Witchs Haven 

We make no claims of magical effects or supernatural powers for any item in this catalog. In spite of legendary attributes or occult and craft tradition, such items are offered as curios only and beliefs concerning their magical effectiveness are related only for historical interest.

Creative Commons Copyright    &  (c) 2007 Pathways   &   The Witchs Haven     Website hosting by: