Sambucus williamsii

Physical Characteristics

Sambucus williamsii is a deciduous Shrub. 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

E. Asia - Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[177]. This use is inadvisable, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Emetic The leaf is emetic and is used in the treatment of ague fits, serving to break the fit[218]. The flowers are diaphoretic and diuretic[218]. The juice of the stem is emetic[218]. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis[218]. The plant is anodyne and carminative[218].

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].