Sambucus canadensis

Canadese vlier / American elder

Adoxaceae (Muskuskruidfamilie)

Northern America (east)

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Edible plant part (2)

Flowers, fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (3)

Fruits, shoots (growing), leaves

American elder belongs to the small shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 2 to 4 meter. and a width of 1.5 to 3 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is dense. It loses its leaves in september.
This species forms a heart-shaped shallow root system. This species is slightly spreading in the food forest. American elder is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: F. D. Richards, https://www.flickr.com/photos/50697352@N00/9202551374

foto: F. D. Richards, https://www.flickr.com/photos/50697352@N00/9202551374

foto: Rison Thumboor, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_elderberry_%28Sambucus_canadensis%29_%2823663427868%29.jpg

foto: Rison Thumboor, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_elderberry_%28Sambucus_canadensis%29_%2837484276942%29.jpg

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early july
Flowering period (length): several months, several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self sterile, sf, more harvest with cross-pollination
Maximum distance for cross pollination: 50 - 100 metre

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii)

Harvest and Consumption

Flowers

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Elbow height, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Early july, mid july, end of july
Harvesting period - length: Month, several months, several weeks
Form of consumption: Processed
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 5
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 25
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 50

Harvest location edible part: Elbow height, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Early september
Harvesting period - length: Several weeks
Harvesting period - uniformity: Medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, simple tool
Size edible parts: Very small
Form of consumption: Processed
Natural storability: Day
Nutritional value - relatively high: Vitamins
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 5
Productive life span - peak (year) - maximum: 25
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 50

Culinary appreciation

The fruits are rich in vitamins and can be used after heating in drinks and jellies. The flowers are commonly used in beverages, such as lemonades or syrups.

References