Dwarf Elder
sambucus ebulus
Also known as: ["Dwarf Elderberry","Danewort","Walewort"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, known for its clusters of small white flowers and red berries, though all parts of the plant are toxic.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Sambucus |
| Botanical Name: | Sambucus ebulus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a sunny or partially shaded area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in cooler climates; partial shade in hot regions to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide afternoon shade in hot areas; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct midday sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but may struggle above 85°F (29°C).
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly during active growth; stop fertilizing in fall to prepare for dormancy; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root directly in soil outdoors.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the base or lateral buds; thin out crowded growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or weak stems annually to improve air circulation and encourage vigorous growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; cut at a 45-degree angle; remove dead/diseased wood; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Allow excess water to drain freely and avoid waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold below 20°F (-7°C).
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Sambucus ebulus, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The plant poses a significant risk to feline health.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cyanogenic glycosides and lectins in Sambucus ebulus can be particularly harmful to dogs, leading to gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological effects. The plant's toxicity can cause significant distress in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSambucus ebulus contains cyanogenic glycosides and lectins, which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms if ingested in significant quantities. The plant's physiological impact is primarily localized to the digestive and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dwarf Elder safe for consumption?
A: No, all parts of the plant are toxic and should not be consumed.
Q: Does Dwarf Elder attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How should Dwarf Elder be cared for?
A: It prefers moist, fertile soil and partial shade, and should be monitored for signs of disease or pests.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
