Southern Elder (Sambucus australis)

Sambucus australis, the Southern elder, is a shrub native to South America, known for its white flowers and dark berries, often found in woodlands and riparian areas.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade

Watering

Regular watering

Soil

Well-drained, moist, fertile

Temperature

Moderate

Fertilizer

Moderate feeding

Care Requirements

Light Exposure

Full sun to partial shade

Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and fruiting.

Watering Needs

Regular watering

Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods. Reduce in dormancy.

Soil

Well-drained, moist, fertile

Temperature Tolerance

Moderate

Prefers moderate temperatures. Can tolerate a range but may struggle in extreme heat or cold.

Fertilizer Requirements

Moderate feeding

Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer or compost. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Category

Ornamental, Fruit

Plant Place Type

Garden

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

2-3 m

Spread

2-3 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

Yes

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

1-2 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 · OctPeak fruit · Jul

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Sambucus pentagynia Larrañaga

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderDipsacales
familyViburnaceae
genusSambucus
speciesSambucus australis

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Yes

Rating: 3/5

Toxic for pets

Yes

Rating: 3/5

Edible

Berries and roots are toxic if ingested raw. Contains sambunigrin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Check soil moisture with your finger before watering to avoid over or under-watering.

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. You can also prune to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Heavy pruning can rejuvenate older plants.

Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or hardwood cuttings taken in winter. Root cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, keeping them moist and in a protected environment. Seed propagation is also possible but can be slow.

Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring, or when root-bound. Use a larger pot with good drainage and a standard potting mix. Mature plants generally do not require frequent repotting and can be top-dressed annually.

FAQs

What are the preferred growing conditions for Sambucus australis?

Sambucus australis prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to various soil types but thrives in nutrient-rich environments.

Is Sambucus australis a fast-growing plant?

Yes, the Southern elder is generally considered a fast-growing shrub, reaching maturity relatively quickly under optimal conditions.

How tall does Sambucus australis typically grow?

Sambucus australis usually grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters, with a similar spread, forming a dense shrub.

Are the berries of Sambucus australis edible?

While some species of Sambucus have edible berries (when cooked), it is best to avoid consuming the berries of Sambucus australis unless specifically identified as safe by local experts, as some elderberry species can be toxic if not prepared correctly.

What kind of wildlife does Sambucus australis attract?

The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and the berries provide a food source for birds and other small wildlife.

Care Requirements

Light Exposure

Full sun to partial shade

Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and fruiting.

Watering Needs

Regular watering

Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods. Reduce in dormancy.

Soil

Well-drained, moist, fertile

Temperature Tolerance

Moderate

Prefers moderate temperatures. Can tolerate a range but may struggle in extreme heat or cold.

Fertilizer Requirements

Moderate feeding

Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer or compost. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs

What are the preferred growing conditions for Sambucus australis?

Sambucus australis prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to various soil types but thrives in nutrient-rich environments.

Is Sambucus australis a fast-growing plant?

Yes, the Southern elder is generally considered a fast-growing shrub, reaching maturity relatively quickly under optimal conditions.

How tall does Sambucus australis typically grow?

Sambucus australis usually grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters, with a similar spread, forming a dense shrub.

Are the berries of Sambucus australis edible?

What kind of wildlife does Sambucus australis attract?

The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and the berries provide a food source for birds and other small wildlife.

Southern Elder (Sambucus australis)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What are the preferred growing conditions for Sambucus australis?

Is Sambucus australis a fast-growing plant?

How tall does Sambucus australis typically grow?

Are the berries of Sambucus australis edible?

What kind of wildlife does Sambucus australis attract?

Loading plant details

Southern Elder (Sambucus australis)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What are the preferred growing conditions for Sambucus australis?

Is Sambucus australis a fast-growing plant?

How tall does Sambucus australis typically grow?

Are the berries of Sambucus australis edible?

What kind of wildlife does Sambucus australis attract?