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Sambucus (nigra L.)

Randall Lester
Assistant Manager
USDA NRCS - Appalachian Plant Materials Center
P.O. Box 390
Alderson, West Virginia 24910
304-445-3005
304-445-7049 (fax)
randall.lester@wv.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/wvpmc

Family Scientific Name: Caprifoliaceae
Family Common Name: Black elderberry
Scientific Name: Sambucus nigra L. ssp. canadensis
Species Code: SANIC4
General Distribution: Widely distributed throughout most of the United States.
Known Invasiveness: None
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: 2 Years
Target Specifications: A well developed plant suitable for transplanting with at least 12" of top growth and a healthy root system.
Propagule Collection: Seeds were collected from multiple existing populations within the boundaries of the Monongahela National Forest. The seeds should be mature when the drupe turns black.
Propagule Processing: Ripe fruit was collected in late August and placed in sealable plastic bags. The bags were placed in the cooler for 3 weeks to allow the fruit to ferment which aided in the separation of the seeds from the pulp. The fruit was mascerated by hand and placed on top of a series of screens (9, 1/12, 1/18). Water was then used to wash the seeds through the screens. The seeds were collected on the 1/18 screen and placed on kraft paper in a thin layer to air dry.
Pre-Planting Treatments: No pretreatment was used.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Pro-mix BX with biofungicide was moistened and placed in heavy plastic trays. The soil was compacted somewhat to prepare a firm seedbed.
Establishment Phase: Seed was spread evenly by hand on the soil surface and then covered with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of additional soil. The top layer was pressed down slightly to ensure good seed to soil contact. The trays were placed in the greenhouse for 2 months to allow for the warm, moist stratification period. The trays were then moved outside to the shadehouse for 5 months to allow for the cold stratification period. The trays were then moved back into the greenhouse and allowed to germinate.
Length of Establishment Phase: 9 months
Active Growth Phase: Germination began in the spring after the cold stratification period. Once the seedlings had sufficient root systems, they were transplanted into 1 gallon plastic pots filled with Metro-mix 510 growing medium.
Length of Active Growth Phase: 6 - 9 months
Hardening Phase: Plants were moved back into the shadehouse to allow for hardening off before shipping.
Length of Hardening Phase: 2 weeks
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Plants with sufficient top growth were loaded on trailers and shipped back to the Monongahela National Forest. Trailers were covered with tarps to prevent wind burn.
Length of Storage: 1 day
References: R.P. Karrfalt, 2008. The Woody Plants Seed Manual. USDA Forest Service. Agriculture Handbook 727.

USDA, NRCS. 2012. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 12 July 2012). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

Citation:

Lester, Randall; Vandevender, John. 2013. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Sambucus nigra L. plants USDA NRCS - Appalachian Plant Materials Center Alderson, West Virginia. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/22). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.