Sambucus caerulea |
Native Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: Sunny sites; well draining average deep soil.
Harvest Date: Tuesday 27 September, 2011
Seed count: 25-30
Description:
A not too common native shrub-tree even in our area. Compound bright green leaves appear mid April, with dense clusters of white flowers in late May providing nectar and pollen to many winged creatures (especially butterflies). Sky blue berry clusters are heavy, edible and much loved by birds. Makes very nice jelly and wine.
Notes:
These deciduous large shrub/small trees grow along Baynes Sound, a body of salt water between Vancouver Island and Denman Island, and experience all what the winter storms can give. Fruit is actually black but the heavy bloom on the fruit gives it a true sky blue colour. Good fibrous root structure is great for erosion control.
Cultivation:
Break dormancy: take one cup hot tap water, add seed, let cool and soak 24 hours. Seed should swell. If not scarify by rubbing seed with a small amount of coarse sand between your hands for 10 seconds. Use a plate to catch any fallen material. Resoak using warm water for 24 hours. Sow 5 mm deep in seedling medium of equal parts peat and sand. Keep moist. Warm stratfify 30 days at 20 C; then cold stratify 90 days at 4C. Should germinate under Spring like conditions.
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