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Common Name: White Elderberry

General Information

Sambucus gaudichaudiana is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

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

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria.

Habitat

Cool shady places in wet sclerophyll and other open forests, river banks and damp rocks[, , , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is only likely to be hardy outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. The plant is more of a sub-shrub, producing annual shoots from a perennial rootstock[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Tolerates most soils, including chalk[], but prefers a moist loamy soil[, ]. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Juicy[, ]. The fruit is a little sour but has a pleasant flavour[]. Usually sweet, though some forms are bitter[]. The fruit is small but is borne in large clusters, making it easy to harvest[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Flowers - raw or cooked.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

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.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[].
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[].