Red Elder

Sambucus racemosa kamtschatica

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Europe to W. Asia. Occasionally naturalized in N. Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[13]. The tastiest fruit in this genus[7]. Rich in vitamin C, the seed can be removed and the fruit used in jellies, preserves etc[183]. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters, making it easy to harvest[200]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity. Flowers - raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Carminative Depurative Diaphoretic Diuretic Laxative Purgative Resolvent Vitamin C Vulnerary The leaves, stems and the roots are anodyne, carminative and vulnerary[13, 147]. A decoction is used in the treatment traumatic injuries, fractures, rheumatoid arthralgia, gas pains, acute and chronic nephritis[147]. The fruit is depurative and laxative[7, 9]. The leaves are diuretic, resolvent and sudorific[7]. They are used externally to soothe abscesses and boils[7]. The root, and the oil from the seed, are purgative[7, 9].

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 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]. The seed is said to be poisonous[21].