Chinese Elder (Sambucus javanica)

Family: Caprifoliaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Sambucus javanica 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is small but is borne in large clusters and is thus easy to harvest. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Flowers - raw or cooked. Leaves and young stems - cooked. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is small but is borne in large clusters and is thus easy to harvest.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; Flowers - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Wild areas on village outskirts and wasteland. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)