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Summary
Sambucus mexicana is a Synonym of Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis (L.) R. Bolli
American black elderberry
Physical Characteristics
Sambucus_mexicana is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from May to June. 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.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
S. caerulea mexicana. (Presl.)L.Benson. S. coriacea. S. orbiculata. S. velutina.
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Flowers - raw or cooked[183]. Fruit - raw or cooked[257]. It is usually dried before being used since this reduces a somewhat rank taste[177, 181, 183]. The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, winemaking etc[183]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters[227]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
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An infusion of the blossoms has been used in the treatment of upset stomachs, fevers, sore throats, colds and flu[257]. A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of constipation[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
A purple to black dye is obtained from the fruits[257]. An orange to yellow dye is obtained from the stems[257]. Wood - soft and coarse-grained[227].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is closely related to S. caerulea[71]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Tolerates most soils, including chalk[200], but prefers a moist loamy soil[11, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position[1]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
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Plant 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[78, 98, 113]. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth 15 - 20cm with a heel, late autumn in a frame or a sheltered outdoor bed[78].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Author
C.Presl.
Botanical References
71
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