Sambucus mexicana

C. Presl.

Mexican elderberry

Adoxaceae Edible: Flowers, Fruit Potential hazards — see below 543 iNaturalist observations

Has toxic lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

Sambucus mexicana may refer to the following North American black or blue elderberry species: Sambucus mexicana C.Presl ex DC. = Sambucus mexicana var. bipinnata Schltdl. & Cham. = Sambucus canadensis L. = Sambucus nigra L. subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli Sambucus mexicana auct. non C.Presl ex DC. = Sambucus mexicana C.Presl ex DC. subsp. cerulea (Raf.) A.E.Murray = Sambucus cerulea Raf. = Sambucus nigra L. subsp. cerulea (Raf.) Bolli

Description

A small tree. It grows 5-6 m tall. The leaves are compound and have leaflets along the stalk. There are usually 7 leaflets. The flowers are in flat topped arrangements and 6-20 cm across. They are yellow. The fruit are berries which are deep purple when ripe. There can be flowers, green and ripe fruit on the same branch at the same time. Probably now Sambucus canadensis.

Edible Uses

Both the flowers and fruit are edible raw or cooked. The fruit, around 6mm in diameter and borne in large clusters, is usually dried before use as this reduces its somewhat rank taste. It can be used in pies, preserves, winemaking, and similar preparations. Some caution is advised regarding toxicity.

Traditional Uses

The dried fruit are used in pies, wines, syrups etc. The flower clusters are dipped in batter and fried, and sprinkled with sugar. The individual flowers can add flavour to pancakes, muffins and cakes.

Medicinal Uses

An infusion of the blossoms has been used to treat upset stomachs, fevers, sore throats, colds, and flu. A decoction of the roots has been used to treat constipation.

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. 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.

Distribution

A tropical plant. In Guatemala it grows up to 3,000 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Africa, Bolivia, Brazil, Central Africa, Central America*, Colombia, Congo, Cook Islands, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Europe, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mali, Marquesas, Mexico, North America, Pacific, Peru, Sao Tome and Principe, South America, USA, West Africa, West Indies,

Cultivation

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. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Tolerates most soils, including chalk, but prefers a moist loamy soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame, where it should germinate in early spring. Stored seed sown in spring will likely germinate better with 2 months warm followed by 2 months cold stratification. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle. If growth is good, young plants can go into permanent positions in early summer; otherwise, overwinter them in a sheltered nursery bed or in pots and plant out the following spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7–10cm with a heel, can be taken in July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood from the current season's growth, 15–20cm with a heel, can be taken in late autumn in a frame or sheltered outdoor bed.

Other Uses

A purple to black dye can be obtained from the fruits, and an orange to yellow dye from the stems. The wood is soft and coarse-grained.

Notes

There are about 25 Sambucus species. Also put in the family Sambucaceae and Caprifoliaceae

Dangerous Lookalikes

This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.

VERY TOXIC

Pokeweed

Phytolacca americana

Jakec

Safe

Mexican elderberry

Sambucus mexicana

Pokeweed: Thick red/purple herbaceous stems (no bark), berries in a line (raceme), simple large leaves, large white taproot.

Mexican elderberry: Woody bark, berries in broad flat clusters (cymes), compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets.

Synonyms

S. caerulea mexicana. (Presl.)L.Benson. S. coriacea. S. orbiculata. S. velutina.

Also Known As

Sauco, Sauco blanco

References (16)

Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 5. Kew.
de Polle, E., Plantas Silvestres Comestible de Guatemala. 1(1) Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala.
Desert Survivors Online Plant Database
Elias, T.S. & Dykeman P.A., 1990, Edible Wild Plants. A North American Field guide. Sterling, New York p 190

Show all 16 references

Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 223
Flowerdew, B., 2000, Complete Fruit Book. Kyle Cathie Ltd., London. p 178
Franklin, J., Keppel, G., & Whistler, W., 2008, The vegetation and flora of Lakeba, Nayau and Aiwa Islands, Central Lau Group, Fiji. Micronesica 40(1/2): 169–225, 2008
Hanelt, P. et al, (Eds.), 2001, Mansfield's encyclopedia of agricultural and horticultural crops. p 1698
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 592
Miguel, E., et al, 1989, A checklist of the cultivated plants of Cuba. Kulturpflanze 37. 1989, 211-357
non Sambucus mexicana C. Presl ex DC. (= Sambucus canadensis L.)
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Staples, G.W. and Herbst, D.R., 2005, A tropical Garden Flora. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. p 222
Uphof,
http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org