Siberian elder

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Siberian elder

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sambucus racemosa subsp. sibirica

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dipsacales, it is further categorized under the family Viburnaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Sambucus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of Northern Asia and Europe. In Eastern Europe, its presence is notably documented throughout East European Russia. Moving into the vast territory of Siberia, it can be found in the Altay region. The species also inhabits the areas of Buryatiya and Chita within the Siberian landscape. Finally, its range extends further into the Irkutsk region of Siberia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Sambucus sibirica is characterized by its ability to thrive in diverse environmental settings, ranging from dense forest interiors to more open, disturbed areas. This species is commonly found inhabiting burnclearings, where it can take advantage of increased light availability following forest fires, as well as within established forest ecosystems and mountainous terrains. Its adaptability extends to anthropogenic landscapes, as it is frequently observed growing in parks. By occupying these varied niches, from high-altitude slopes to managed green spaces, the plant demonstrates a versatile ecological strategy suited to both natural wilderness and human-altered environments.

Habitat :

burnclearings,forest,mountains,parks

Morphology

Morphologically, Sambucus sibirica is characterized as a woody shrub that typically exhibits a growth form consistent with a multi-stemmed shrubby habit. It functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies. The plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat preference, though it can occasionally be found in semiaquatic environments. In terms of stature, it reaches a significant height, with individual specimens ranging from a minimum of 2 meters to a maximum of 4 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

4 m

Plant height min:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Sambucus sibirica is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that facilitates its pollination and subsequent seed production. The flowering period typically commences in May, marking the onset of its reproductive phase, and continues through until June. This relatively concentrated blooming period is essential for the plant's life cycle, ensuring that the floral structures are available for pollinators during these late spring and early summer months.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Sambucus sibirica has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, leaf.

Fruit

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Leaf

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Sambucus sibirica has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Astragalin, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Isoquercetin, RUTIN, quercetin.

Astragalin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Isoquercetin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

RUTIN

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

quercetin

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Sambucus sibirica has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Nephritis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Rheumatoid arthritis

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)