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Common Name: Chinese Elder

General Information

Sambucus chinensis is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

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[, ]. 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[, ].

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitat

Thickets and woods in hills and at low elevations in mountains, C. and S. Japan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Tolerates most soils, including chalk[], but prefers a moist loamy soil[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations[].
There is some confusion over the correct name of this species. It is said to be a synonym of S. javanica by some botanists, but this probably refers to a herbaceous plant, the correct name of which should be S. chinensis. The true S. javanica is a shrub[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - cooked. It is usually preserved, used in confectionery or as a tea[]. The fruit is about 4mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters[]. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity above.
Stems and leaves - cooked[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.
Root - cooked. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

Emetic[].

Other Uses

The plant is used to make a skin wash to rid the body of parasites[]. (The part of the plant that is used is not detailed, it is likely to be the leaves or dried flower stalks.)

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[, , ]. 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