Red Elder
Sambucus racemosa kamtschatica
Family: Caprifoliaceae
What it is like
Sambucus racemosa kamtschatica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Woods, mainly in mountains.
Europe to W. Asia. Occasionally naturalized in N. Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. The tastiest fruit in this genus. Rich in vitamin C, the seed can be removed and the fruit used in jellies, preserves etc. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters, making it easy to harvest. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity. Flowers - raw or cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves, stems and the roots are anodyne, carminative and vulnerary. A decoction is used in the treatment traumatic injuries, fractures, rheumatoid arthralgia, gas pains, acute and chronic nephritis. The fruit is depurative and laxative. The leaves are diuretic, resolvent and sudorific. They are used externally to soothe abscesses and boils. The root, and the oil from the seed, are purgative.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Resolvent: Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.
Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating: 2
The leaves are used to repel insects. Wood - commonly used in the manufacture of domestic items. It can be hollowed out to make flutes, pipes, straws etc.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Straw: For drinking with.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
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. Prefers cool moist conditions. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations. Hardy to about -25°c. Plants self-sow in N. Britain but they rarely fruit well in S. Britain. There are some named varieties developed for their ornamental value. The flowers have a sweet smell, free from the fishy undertones found in some other members of the genus. This subspecies has larger fruits and seeds than the type. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: 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, July/August 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. Division of suckers in the dormant season.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
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 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. The seed is said to be poisonous.