Sambucus Canadensis 50 Seeds, American Elderberry Shrub Cold Hardy Medicinal Herb

The Plant Attraction

$2.99 

Sambucus Canadensis
Also known as: American Elderberry, American Elder

This common attractive shrub native to a large area of North America, not only has proved its usefulness over thousands of years, but is a valuable remedy in modern herbal medicine as well. It is a deciduous, somewhat sprawling, suckering shrub that typically grows to 5-12’ tall. Tiny lemon-scented white flowers appear in up to 10" large flat-topped clusters in June. Flowers give way to drooping clusters of black/purple elderberry fruits in late summer, that are 3-5 mm in diameter. Both the flowers and ripe berries are edible. Often used to make jams, jellies, pie fillings, fritters, tea and elderberry wine. Other parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, roots, and unripe fruits, are toxic due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, and alkaloids. If prepared properly most parts of the plant can be used medicinally as it is high in vitamin C and supports immune function. Many are making their own Elderberry syrup with great results.
The leaves and inner bark of young shoots are used as a natural insect repellent, and can also treat various fungal infections such as leaf rot and powdery mildew. A black dye can be obtained from the bark.

It grows in a variety of conditions including dry to wet, well-drained soils in primarily full sun to part shade. Group or mass in naturalized areas where suckering spread may be appreciated. Landscape specimen, shrub borders, screens, backgrounds, stream/pond peripheries or low spots. Good sprawling hedge. Zone: 3 to 9

This offer is for 50 seeds.