Sambucus racemosa sieboldiana

Physical Characteristics

Sambucus racemosa sieboldiana is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May. 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

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Young leaves and buds - cooked and used as a vegetable[177, 183]. This use is inadvisable, see the notes above on toxicity. A tea is made from the leaves[177, 183].

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].