Dwarf Elder
Sambucus ebulus
Moschatel family (Adoxaceae)
Not a bush but a herb
This herbaceous plant has, more than other types of elder, an unpleasant smell. Since it was traditionally used as a herb against intestinal ailments, the dwarf elder has certainly been spread by humans. The leaves, fruits and seeds contain the glycosides sambunigrin and prunasin, which are toxic. Unlike those of the elder (Sambucus nigra), the berries are not edible.
Dwarf elder is rare in the southern Meuse region and grows on moist, nutrient-rich, disturbed and, often, calcareous soil on banks, dykes, on arable land and forest edges, often near running water. Given enough space it can form large stands, where only bindweed and nettles can compete.
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Crown jewel of Domies Toen.
Dwarf elderberry is toxic.
A blue dye and an ink are obtained from the fruit; the sap within the root is used as a black hair dye.
Details
Description: | Herb, up to 1.2 m. |
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Distributions: | Western part of europe, with its northern border at the netherlands and central england. north africa and the western part of asia |
Habitat: | Dykes, roadside verges, fields, slopes, clearings, hedges, forests and forest edges, water edges and along railways. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
Hardiness: | 5 - 14 f (hardy - cold winter) |
Flowering period: | Juli - augustus |
Flower color: | White, pink |
Notes on flowers: | Flowers usually white, sometimes pink. |
Fruiting period: | Augustus - september |
At its best: | Juli - september |