Overview of Sambucus microbotrys Rydb.
Sambucus microbotrys, commonly known as the mountain red elderberry, is a shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to western North America, including parts of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho. It grows in mountainous regions, rock outcrops, canyons, and forested areas at elevations between 300 to 2500 meters above sea level.
General Appearance
The mountain red elderberry is a deciduous shrub that grows between 1 and 4 meters tall. It has multiple stems which have a smooth, grayish-brown bark that becomes corky and furrowed as the plant matures. The leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, and have five to nine oval-shaped leaflets that are toothed along their margins. The flowers are white or creamy and arranged in flat-topped clusters that can measure up to 15 cm across. The fruit is a dark red or blackish drupe, which usually matures in August.
Common Names
The mountain red elderberry is commonly known by several names, including red elderberry, western red elderberry, Cascade elderberry, blue elderberry, Nelson's elderberry, and Mexican elderberry. These names are based on the different regions where the plant grows and the characteristics of its fruit.
Uses
The mountain red elderberry has several uses. Native American tribes have long used the plant for medicinal purposes, including treating colds, headaches, and other ailments. The dried flower clusters can be used to make teas, and the berries can be used to make jams, syrups, and wine. The plant is also used in landscaping due to its ornamental value and its ability to attract birds and other wildlife to gardens.
However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant, except for the ripe and cooked berries, contain a toxic compound that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Therefore, it is recommended to use caution when consuming any parts of the plant.
Light Requirements
Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. typically requires partial to full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in cool temperatures, with an average temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-15°C) at night. It can tolerate some extreme temperatures but prefers a consistent, moderate climate.
Soil Requirements
Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0-7.0. This plant species can tolerate sandy or clay soils but prefers loamy soils.
Cultivation methods
The Sambucus microbotrys Rydb., commonly known as mountain elderberry, prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil. It can grow in various soil types, ranging from loamy, sandy, to clayey. However, it thrives in moist soil. Mountain elderberry can grow up to 12 feet in height and can survive winter temperatures of -20°F. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established and can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.
Watering needs
You should water mountain elderberry regularly to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, especially during hot and dry conditions. Avoid watering the plant shallowly as this can weaken the roots and make the plant more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, avoid watering the leaves, as it can promote disease and fungal growth.
Fertilization
Mountain elderberry does not require much fertilization, but you can improve growth by applying a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilize the plant once in spring before new buds emerge and once again in early summer. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause weak growth and disease susceptibility.
Pruning
Pruning is vital in maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing mountain elderberry. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before the new growth emerges. Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead wood to prevent the spread of diseases. Also, remove any suckers or weak growth that may compete for nutrients with the main trunk. You can prune the plant to encourage bushiness and increase fruit production. However, avoid over-pruning, as this can weaken the plant and reduce fruit production.
Propagation of Sambucus microbotrys Rydb.
Sambucus microbotrys Rydb., commonly known as Mountain elderberry, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. The plant produces clusters of small white flowers followed by dark berries, which are often used to make jams, jellies, and wine. Propagation of Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. can be done by various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected from ripe berries, which can be obtained from fully matured plants. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for a few hours before planting. It is recommended to sow the seeds in a soilless mix in small pots. The pots should be placed in a warm, bright location and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted to larger containers once they reach a suitable size.
Cuttings Propagation
Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. can also be propagated from cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be inserted into a well-draining soilless mix and kept in a warm, bright location. The cuttings should be misted regularly, and roots should start to form within 8-10 weeks. Once they have rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to larger containers or to a permanent location in the garden.
Division Propagation
Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. can also be propagated by division. The plant should be dug up during the dormant season and divided into smaller clumps. Each clump should have a healthy root system and at least one shoot. The divided plants should be planted in a well-draining soilless mix and kept in a warm, bright location. The plants should be watered regularly and transplanted to larger containers or to a permanent location in the garden.
Overall, Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. is an easy plant to propagate using any of the above methods. With proper care, the new plants should grow into healthy, productive shrubs.
Disease Management
Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. is generally resistant to most diseases but can occasionally suffer from foliar diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and anthracnose.
Powdery mildew: This is a common fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, prune and dispose of infected branches and use fungicides such as sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate.
Leaf spot: This is also a fungal disease that causes black or brown spots on the leaves. Prune and dispose of infected branches, fertilize the plant, and use fungicides such as copper or chlorothalonil to manage this disease.
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes sunken brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, prune and dispose of infected branches and use fungicides such as copper or chlorothalonil.
Pest Management
The common pests that might affect Sambucus microbotrys Rydb. include aphids, spider mites, and scales.
Aphids: These small insects suck plant sap and excrete honeydew, causing the leaves to turn yellow. To manage this pest, use insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings into your garden.
Spider mites: These tiny arachnids suck sap, causing yellowed leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, wash the leaves with a strong jet of water, introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or spider mite destroyers, or use insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Scales: These insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves and suck plant sap. To manage this pest, prune and dispose of infected branches, wash the plant with water and soap, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings into your garden.
