Dwarf Elder, Dwarf elderberry

Sambucus ebulus

Physical Characteristics

Sambucus ebulus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands south and east to the Mediterranean and Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - cooked. It is used as a flavouring in soups etc[177]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and is borne in large clusters[200]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Leaves are used as a tea substitute[105, 177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Antirheumatic Appetite Suppressant Cholagogue Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Homeopathy Poultice Purgative The leaves are antiphlogistic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and laxative[4, 7, 9, 13, 21, 240]. The fruit is also sometimes used, but it is less active than the leaves[4]. The herb is commonly used in the treatment of liver and kidney complaints[4]. When bruised and laid on boils and scalds, they have a healing effect[4]. They can be made into a poultice for treating swellings and contusions[4]. The leaves are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use[7]. The root is diaphoretic, mildly diuretic and a drastic purgative[4, 7, 9]. Dried, then powdered and made into a tea, it is considered to be one of the best remedies for dropsy[4, 240]. It should only be used with expert supervision because it can cause nausea and vertigo[9]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh berries or the bark[9]. It is used in the treatment of dropsy[9].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the leaves and stems of some, if not all, members of this genus are poisonous[9, 76]. The fruit of this species has been known to cause stomach upsets to some people. Any toxin the fruit might contain is liable to be of very low toxicity and is destroyed when the fruit is cooked[65, 76].