Sambucus javanica Seeds | Chinese Elder
LATIN NAME: Sambucus javanica
COMMON NAME: Chinese Elder
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Chinese Elder (Sambucus javanica) is a deciduous shrub in the moschatel family, native to moist places of the eastern Asia, while it grows in open, moist places. In moschatel family it is flat-headed, berry-bearing elder of moist places, a shrub birds of region have always known well. Given room and time, it reaches roughly Three metres. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Sambucus javanica, a representative of the moschatel family with clear practical value. The Chinese elder roots and parts are a familiar subject in traditional plant chemistry of the eastern Asia, and constituents have been worked through by researchers across the world. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Chinese Elder has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In wildlife garden, the Chinese elder is flat-headed shrub that feeds everything. Its creamy-white flower heads feed bees and insects, its red or black berries feed birds, and dense, leafy growth gives cover and shelter through the year. Traditional use of region keeps plant in old practice, and it grows well in moist, open, well-drained ground. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Elderberry is the modern cold-season classic: its anthocyanin-rich syrup has human trials for shortening flu-like illness, and elderflower cordial and tea remain Europe’s traditional fever comfort; always cook the berries, as raw ones upset stomachs.
Growing from Seed
Raising Chinese Elder from seed is straightforward. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Chinese Elder repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Chinese Elder often pair it with these related subjects: