Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf elder)

Cultivation

Prefers moist, neutral to alkaline loam in full sun. Easily tolerates heavy clay. Tolerates partial shade. Spreads by underground rhizomes. Drier conditions may control spread. May be invasive in ideal growing conditions.

Suggested uses

Banks and Slopes, Hedging/Screens, Wildlife, Woodland

UK hardiness

H7

USDA zones

Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Low
Central Valley = Low
South Coastal = Low
South Inland = Low
High and Intermediate Desert = Moderate/Medium
Low Desert = Moderate/Medium

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect, Spreading

Native to

Central Europe, Southern Europe, Southwestern Asia, Northwestern Africa

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Fragrance

Foliage has a pungent scent, often described as unpleasant.

Toxicity

Used in traditional/herbal medicine. Raw fruit is poisonous. High-dose consumption of fruit is toxic. All other parts are poisonous.