Chinese Elder (Sambucus chinensis)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Tolerates most soils, including chalk. 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[K].
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
Edible uses
Fruit - cooked. It is usually preserved, used in confectionery or as a tea. 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 uses
Emetic.
Material 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.)
Habitat
Thickets and woods in hills and at low elevations in mountains, C. and S. Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Scientific synonyms Sambucus javanica