The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: American Red Elder

General Information

Sambucus pubens is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4.00 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

N. America - British Columbia to Newfoundland, south to Georgia, Iowa, Colorado and California.

Habitat

Moist to wet soils along streams, in woods and open areas from valleys to around 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 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[].
Closely related to S. racemosa and considered part of that species by some botanists[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. A bitter flavour[]. The fruit is quite nutritious, having a relatively high fat and protein as well as carbohydrate content[]. The fruit can be dried prior to use, it will then lose some of its rank taste[]. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters making it easy to harvest[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Flowers - raw or cooked.
The root is made into a tea-like beverage[, , ].

Medicinal

The bark and the leaves are used as a diuretic and purgative[].
The blossoms have been used in the treatment of measles[].

Other Uses

The stem is easily hollowed and can be used to make a whistle[].

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[].