Dwarf elder, Danewort, Wallwort, Dane's elder
Sambucus ebulus
Family: Adoxaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It forms suckers. It grows 1.5-2 m high and spreads 0.9-2 m wide. The leaves are divided and there are up to 9 leaflets 15 cm long. The flowers are small. They are in flat heads 10 cm across. The fruit are black berries. They are 6-7 mm across and shiny when ripe.
There are about 25 Sambucus species. Also put in the family Sambucaceae.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate and Mediterranean regions. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andorra, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Belgium, Bosnia, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Cyprus, Eurasia, Europe, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
CAUTION The fruit are poisonous and cause diarrhoea. It is not eaten raw. They are used to make a drink. They are also used for jam. The flowers are used to flavour pancakes and jams.
Edible parts
Fruit, flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bazel, Fodi bodza, Hadvika, Pehosi, Podzemni bez, Trevist baz