Chinese Elder (Sambucus javanica)

Sambucus javanica, the Chinese elder, is a fast-growing shrub or small tree native to East Asia, known for its white flowers and edible berries.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Watering

Consistent Moisture

Soil

Loam, Sandy, Clay

Temperature

Hardy

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate

Care Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, tolerates partial shade.

Watering

Consistent Moisture

Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.

Soil

Loam, Sandy, Clay

Temperature

Hardy

Tolerates a wide range of temperatures; hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate

Benefits from annual feeding in spring.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Category

Foliage, Fruit

Plant Place Type

Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

2-5 m

Spread

2-5 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

Yes

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

10-20 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

60000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Ebulum javanicum (Reinw. ex Blume) Hosok.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderDipsacales
familyViburnaceae
genusSambucus
speciesSambucus javanica

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

Non-toxic

Additional Care Tips

Sambucus javanica prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its establishment phase and in warmer months. Water deeply when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency in cooler, dormant periods.

Prune Sambucus javanica in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can also be used to maintain desired size and shape, and to encourage bushier growth. Hard pruning can rejuvenate older plants.

Sambucus javanica can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer also root well. Alternatively, seeds can be sown in autumn, but may require stratification for germination. Division of suckers in spring is also effective.

Repotting is generally not a primary concern for Sambucus javanica as it is typically grown outdoors as a shrub. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years in early spring before growth starts, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.

FAQs

What is the preferred growing condition for Sambucus javanica?

Sambucus javanica thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively adaptable to various soil types.

Are the berries of Sambucus javanica safe to eat?

The berries of Sambucus javanica are generally considered edible when cooked, similar to other elderberry species. However, raw berries may cause digestive upset.

How large does Sambucus javanica typically grow?

Sambucus javanica can grow into a large shrub or small tree, typically reaching heights of 3 to 5 meters.

When does Sambucus javanica bloom?

Sambucus javanica usually flowers in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of fragrant white flowers.

Is Sambucus javanica suitable for cold climates?

Sambucus javanica is generally considered to be hardy in USDA zones 7-10. It may benefit from protection in colder regions.

Care Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, tolerates partial shade.

Watering

Consistent Moisture

Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.

Soil

Loam, Sandy, Clay

Temperature

Hardy

Tolerates a wide range of temperatures; hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Moderate

Benefits from annual feeding in spring.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs

What is the preferred growing condition for Sambucus javanica?

Sambucus javanica thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively adaptable to various soil types.

Are the berries of Sambucus javanica safe to eat?

The berries of Sambucus javanica are generally considered edible when cooked, similar to other elderberry species. However, raw berries may cause digestive upset.

How large does Sambucus javanica typically grow?

Sambucus javanica can grow into a large shrub or small tree, typically reaching heights of 3 to 5 meters.

When does Sambucus javanica bloom?

Sambucus javanica usually flowers in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of fragrant white flowers.

Is Sambucus javanica suitable for cold climates?

Sambucus javanica is generally considered to be hardy in USDA zones 7-10. It may benefit from protection in colder regions.

Chinese Elder (Sambucus javanica)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What is the preferred growing condition for Sambucus javanica?

Are the berries of Sambucus javanica safe to eat?

How large does Sambucus javanica typically grow?

When does Sambucus javanica bloom?

Is Sambucus javanica suitable for cold climates?

Loading plant details

Chinese Elder (Sambucus javanica)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What is the preferred growing condition for Sambucus javanica?

Are the berries of Sambucus javanica safe to eat?

How large does Sambucus javanica typically grow?

When does Sambucus javanica bloom?

Is Sambucus javanica suitable for cold climates?