NCCSP

Champion Information:

Height (Ft): 27

Circumference (In): 56

Average Crown Spread (Ft): 30

Total Points: 91

Nominator Name: William Schoppert

Location: Tillamook County, Look for this tree when traveling between Hemlock and Beaver on Hwy 101. Tree is 1.2 miles south of junction of Hwy 101 and East Beaver Creek Road at Hemlock. Hemlock is 14 miles south of Tillamook. Tree is visible from Hwy 101 but surrounded by blackberries.

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.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers; Fruit.

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit can be made into jams and preserves. It can also be dried for winter use. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters. Some caution is advised, due to potential toxicity. Flowers - raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient; Analgesic; Antiphlogistic; Antiseptic; Cathartic; Oxytoxic; Poultice.

The leaves are abortifacient, analgesic, oxytocic and poultice. A decoction of the leaves has been used to terminate a pregnancy and can also be taken during labor to ease the birth. An infusion of the leaves has been used as an antiseptic wash on areas affected by blood poisoning. A poultice of the pounded leaves has been applied to abscess and boils and also to sore joints to help reduce the swelling. A poultice of the cooked shoots has been used to alleviate pain. The bark is cathartic. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds. A poultice of the bark has been applied to sore joints to help reduce the swelling. The fruit has been cooked and eaten as a treatment for stomach problems.

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+callicarpa