Sambucus ebulus aka Danewort

Sambucus ebulus, or dwarf elder, is a herbaceous perennial. It belongs to the Viburnaceae family. Its native range spans Madeira, northwest Africa, Europe and southern Turkmenistan. It grows in temperate regions, including woods, hedges and scrub. It also grows on waste ground, often on lime-rich soils.

Plants grow upright in clumps, reaching 3.3–6.6 feet [1–2 metres] tall. The green leaves are pinnate, with leaflets along a central stalk. Crushed leaves give off a strong, unpleasant smell. The foliage is deciduous. Plants can spread with vigour, so allow room around them. Reports differ on how well they cover bare ground. PFAF notes that spreading plants may leave gaps for other growth.

Pinkish-white flowers appear from June to August. They form flat-topped clusters about 4–6 inches across. Their scent recalls bitter almonds. Small, shiny black berries follow in autumn. Each berry measures about a fifth of an inch across. The summer flowers and autumn fruit suit informal planting schemes. RHS suggests cottage gardens and gardens planned for wildlife. PFAF also lists woodland edges and hedgerows as planting sites.

Grow dwarf elder in full sun or partial shade. Choose moist soil that drains well and contains plenty of humus. Moderate soil fertility suits it. It accepts chalk, clay, loam and sand. It also tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline soil. RHS rates it easy to grow and gives it H5 hardiness. PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. Plants take about two to five years to mature. Divide established clumps to raise more plants. Aphids and glasshouse red spider mites may attack it. Honey fungus and verticillium wilt are possible disease problems.

Treat this plant as harmful to people and pets if eaten. RHS advises gloves and protective clothing when handling it. It lists cooked fruit and flowers as edible. PFAF records cooked fruit as a flavouring and leaves for tea. These uses come with warnings, including reports of stomach upset from fruit. They do not make the raw plant safe to eat. PFAF records traditional medicinal uses for leaves, fruit and roots. It also records blue dye and ink from the berries. Root juice has served as a black hair dye. Claims that leaves repel mice and moles remain reported uses.