Caprifoliaceae · Sambucus

American Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

ShruboutdoorMedicinal
Habit
Shrub
Found in India
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & more
Flowering
December-June

Plant Details

Scientific name
Sambucus canadensis
Genus
Sambucus
Habit
Shrub
Native to
North America
Found in India
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Sikkim
Flowering & fruiting
December-June
Conservation status
Not Evaluated (NE)

Leaf characters

Leaf arrangement
OppositerecordedTwo leaves arise from the stem at the same point, facing each other.The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, pinnate with five to nine leaflets, the leaflets around 10 centimetres (4 inches) long and 5 cm broad. — Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Leaf type
Pinnately compoundrecordedLeaflets are arranged in rows along a central stalk, like a feather.The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, pinnate with five to nine leaflets, the leaflets around 10 centimetres (4 inches) long and 5 cm broad. — Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Characters marked “recorded” are for American Elderberry itself; the rest are typical of the Caprifoliaceae family.

Flower & fruit characters

Flower colour
Whiterecorded
Fruit type
BerryrecordedA fleshy fruit with seeds embedded directly in the pulp, no central stone.The fruit (known as an elderberry) is a dark purple to black berry 3–5 mm diameter, produced in drooping clusters in the fall. — Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Typical of the family

Fruit
Drupe

Characters marked “recorded” are for American Elderberry itself; the rest are typical of the Caprifoliaceae family — flowering plants only.

Local Names

Nepali
कनिकेफूल

About American Elderberry

American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family. In India it has been recorded in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and 2 other states. Flowering and fruiting run from December to June.

Uses

It is a source of dye or tannin and used to deter insects. Parts of this plant are reported as poisonous — treat it as unsafe to eat and wash your hands after handling.

Illustration representing the Caprifoliaceae family
Botanical family

Caprifoliaceae

Honeysuckle family

American Elderberry belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family.

The illustration represents the family — not necessarily this exact species.

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Common plant problems

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