Algerian Wild Plants: Spotlight on Sambucus Canadensis

 

Taxonomy:       

Kingdom:	Plantae
Phylum:	Tracheophytes
Class:	Angiosperms
Class:	Eudicots
Order:	Dipsacales
Family:	Adoxaceae
Genus:	Sambucus
Species:	S.Canadensi

             

Here’s a detailed overview of Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry) with a focus on its presence in Algeria, identification, distribution, medicinal uses, and where to find this versatile plant in Algerian landscapes.

 

Introduction

Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry) is a deciduous shrub known for its clusters of white flowers and dark purple berries. While native to North America, it has been introduced in parts of North Africa, including Algeria, where it may grow in moist habitats. It is valued for its edible berries, medicinal properties, and ecological benefits.

Synonyms:  

Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis

Sambucus nigra var. canadensis

Sambucus canadensis subsp. laciniata

Sambucus canadensis var. canadensis

Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis

 

Where to Find It in Algeria

Habitat: Prefers moist soils near rivers, forests, or cultivated gardens.

Possible Locations:

Northern Algeria: Near the Tell Atlas mountains (Tizi Ouzou, Béjaïa).

Urban Gardens: Occasionally planted in botanical gardens or private spaces.

Near Water Sources: Streams in the Kabylie region or near the Mediterranean coast.

Note: It is not native to Algeria and may be rare or cultivated.

How to Identify Acanthus mollis platyphyllus:

Leaves: Pinnately compound, 5–11 leaflets with serrated edges.

Flowers: Small, white, in flat-topped clusters (May–July).

Fruit: Shiny dark purple-black berries (August–September).

Bark: Gray-brown with shallow fissures.

Height: 2–4 meters (shrub form).

Type Of Plant	Life Cycle	Height	Flowering Time	Altitude
Deciduous shrub	Perennial	2 to 4 m	May-July	500 m

 

Mediterranean	Edible	Color	Abundance	Toxicity
Yes	Flowers	white	Not native	Raw berries

 Other Common Name:

Arabic	Berber	English	French	Other Name
		American Elderberry	Sureau du Canada	Saúco Americano

Botanical Characteristics

Growth Form: Deciduous shrub.

Flowers: Hermaphroditic, pollinated by insects.

Fruit: Edible when cooked (used in jams, syrups).

Toxicity: Raw berries/stems contain cyanogenic glycosides.

Traditional Uses:

Berries for immune support (rich in vitamin C).

Flowers used in teas for colds (diaphoretic).

Modern Uses: Cultivated for supplements and culinary uses.