White Elderberry

Sambucus gaudichaudiana

Physical Characteristics

Sambucus gaudichaudiana is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). 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. 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.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. Juicy[144, 177]. The fruit is a little sour but has a pleasant flavour[144]. Usually sweet, though some forms are bitter[193]. The fruit is small but is borne in large clusters, making it easy to harvest[K]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Flowers - raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

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[9, 76]. 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[65, 76].