Sambucus africana
Sambucus africana
- Native to:
- Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
Dwergenpaartje,Dwergenpaartje,Internet Archive Book Images (www.flickr.com),Krider Nurseries,Evergreen Nurseries (Berlin, Pa.),Neosho Nurseries,Malmo & Co Malmo Nurseries Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection,Salem Nursery Company Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection,Clyde Nursery Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection,Willis Nursery Company,Naperville Nurseries,Mecklenburg Nurseries
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Viburnaceae
- Genus:
- Sambucus
- Species:
- Sambucus africana
- USDA Symbol:
- SAAF
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, bees, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire or cutting.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds have double dormancy; warm stratification followed by cold stratification improves germination. Germination can be erratic.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI