Sambucus gaudichaudiana aka Sambucus Gaudichaudiana

Sambucus gaudichaudiana is also known as white elderberry. It belongs to the family Viburnaceae. Its home is in eastern and southeastern Australia. Kew places it in the subtropical biome, a warm climate zone. In the wild, it grows in cool, shaded open forests. It also grows in wet sclerophyll forest, where leaves are hard. Other sites include river banks and gaps among damp rocks. These sites help explain its need for moist soil.

Plants For A Future describes a shrub that sheds its leaves. It reaches about 10 feet [3 metres]. The source also calls it a sub-shrub with a lasting rootstock. New shoots grow from that rootstock each year. This adds detail beyond calling it a shrub alone. The species account does not give its full-grown width. Nor does it describe bark, leaf shape, or stem colour. The RHS gives traits for elders as a group. It gives no details for this species on those points.

The flowers have both male and female parts. Insects move pollen between them. The sources do not say which months bring flowers. Small fruits grow in large groups, which makes picking easier. Plants For A Future lists the flowers and fruit as food. It records the use of both raw or cooked. The juicy fruit may taste sweet or a little sharp. Some forms taste bitter instead. The source gives its food use two out of five.

The species account lists sun or part shade for gardens. It says sand, loam, and clay soils all suit it. Soil may be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. Moist soil suits it best. The account lists woodland edges and spots with dappled shade. It reports that plants cope with strong wind and polluted air. Its advice on coastal sites conflicts, so salt-coast tolerance stays unclear. It is also unclear how much British cold it withstands outdoors. Plants For A Future suggests only the mildest areas may suit it.

Sow fresh seed in a cold frame in autumn. Stored seed may gain from warmth, then cold. Keep young plants sheltered until they are ready to plant out. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal or other uses. Its safety warning draws on other elders, not this species. It gives no confirmed record of poisoning from this species. Listing flowers and fruit as food does not prove all parts safe.