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Champion Information:
Height (Ft): 42
Circumference (In): 39
Average Crown Spread (Ft): 8
Total Points: 89
Nominator Name: Oliver Matthews
Location: Columbia County, Lower Columbia River Hwy, US 30, near Prescott.
Species Information:
Physical Characteristics
It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Habitats
Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers; Fruit.
Fruit - raw or cooked. Low in pectin, it is best mixed with crab-apples or other pectin-rich fruits if used in making jams, jellies etc. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters. Some caution is advised due to toxicity. Flowers - raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
Astringent; Poultice; Salve; TB.
The dried ripe berries have been eaten as a treatment for diarrhea. A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. A poultice of the boiled, mashed roots has been used as a treatment for caked breasts, cuts and wounds. A decoction of the flowers has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis, coughs and colds. It has also been given to children as a spring tonic. A poultice of the crushed leaves has been used to treat bruises and bleeding wounds.
Cultivation details
Tolerates most soils, including chalk, but prefers a moist loamy soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates some shade but is best in a sunny position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and coastal situations. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, when it should germinate in early spring. Stored seed can be sown in the spring in a cold frame but will probably germinate better if it is given 2 months warm followed by 2 months cold stratification first. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If good growth is made, the young plants can be placed in their permanent positions during the early summer. Otherwise, either put them in a sheltered nursery bed, or keep them in their pots in a sheltered position and plant them out in spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm with a heel, late autumn in a frame or a sheltered outdoor bed.
From Plants for a Future: http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Sambucus+melanocarpa
